Los Angeles Lakers are looking to even the Western Conference semifinal series against Houston Rockets on Sunday night. Houston Rockets quickly got the upper hand against Lakers after beating them 112-97 in the first game. But, both Rockets’ guard, James Harden and coach Mike D’Antoni believes it won’t be comfortable against Lakers in Game 2.
Tip-Off: 8.30 PM Eastern Time in the NBA Bubble, near Orlando.
Lakers reportedly displayed rust as they have been resting for six days after defeating Portland Trailblazers in just five games. Meanwhile, Houston played all seven games against OKC Thunder, and they had some momentum. Like always, Harden was the driving force for Rockets when they outperformed Lakers in Game 1.
Harden dropped 36 points along with two rebounds and five assists. Lakers’ were sluggish in the defence department as Harden alone stepped into the free-throw line for 11 times before the break. Fans and the media have lately labelled Houston Rockets as a small-ball. Harden is wondering why everyone calls the small. He also mentioned that it wouldn’t matter to him if the opponent is 7 feet tall, and claimed that all you need is the heart to play.
Lakers haven’t won the NBA playoff series since 2012, and this year its kind of big deal for them.
NBA Playoffs Western Conference Round 2: Lakers V Rockets [Rockets leads 1-0]
Game 1: HOU 112-97 LAL
Game 2: HOU LAL| 9.30 PM ET on Sunday (6.00 AM IST Monday)
Game 3: LAL HOU
Game 4: LAL HOU
Game 5: HOU LAL
Game 6: LAL HOU | TBD (only if necessary)
Game 7: HOU LAL | TBD (only if necessary)
NBA LiveStream: How to watch NBA Playoffs Online? TV Broadcast Schedule
TV: ABC, ESPN, TNT, NBA TV, AT&T TV Sony SIX (India)
Live Stream: ESPN App, NBA App, Fox Sports Go, AT&T TV Now Fubo TV, YouTube TV, Sony LIV (India)
Probable Line-Ups
Lakers: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Danny Green, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee
Rockets: Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Danuel House Jr., PJ Tucker, Robert Covington
