Rockets Battle LeBron’s Lakers in Home Stand Finale
Ageless King. Twin’s Return. Lasting Protection.
After hearing the news about Jabari Smith Jr.’s injury shortly before Friday’s game, optimism and positive notes have been harder to find in Houston’s locker room. And now, LeBron James and the streaking Lakers make their first visit to Toyota Center this season, as the Rockets prepare to close out their five-game homestand with an L.A. matchup on Sunday night. Despite turning 40 years old less than week ago, LeBron James is still dominating. The King has led the Lakers to seven wins over their last nine games, as L.A. has climbed up to the fourth position, right behind Houston in the crowded Western Conference. It’s beyond impressive that James can still have this dominant of an impact on the game at his age. And he’s on course to start in the All-Star game for the 21st straight time. The only time James didn’t receive All-Star starter accolades was back in his rookie season.
Good news for the Rockets, Amen Thompson will be making his return from a two-game suspension tonight. Thompson will be the primary defender on James. Expect Twin to give The King fits as Thompson continues to flourish in his sophomore season. Tari Eason is still questionable, but he will likely miss another game, his ninth straight. Expect more playing time for Cam Whitmore, Jeff Green, Steven Adams, and Aaron Holiday. Look for Sengun to have a bounce back performance after a scoreless second half in Friday night’s loss to the Celtics.
Sunday night’s tilt is the finale of a five-game homestand for the Rockets. It’s Houston’s last chance to protect home court before a beginning a road-heavy stretch of the schedule. After tonight, the Rockets will play six of their next seven games on the road. Look for Thompson’s return to energize the Rockets in their first meeting with the Lakers this season. L.A. has been rolling, but this feels like a game Houston is due to win over a less-disciplined Lakers team, that is merely content to be in fourth place right now. It’s time for the Rockets to close this homestand with a win, which would give them a 2-3 mark over the tough five game period. As long as Houston refrains from taking their foot off the gas in the fourth quarter, expect the Rockets to beat the Lakers… and end this home-stand on a positive note.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Los Angeles Lakers (20-14): Purple
Houston Rockets (22-12): “City Edition” White
Tip-Off: 6:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass