The Houston Rockets will make the trip to Southern California’s Crypto Dot Com Arena to take on their Western Conference rival Los Angeles Lakers for one of several high-profile tilts happening on Christmas Day around the NBA today. The injury status of several key players on both ball clubs could significantly impact the outcome of the contest, but this should be a fun game regardless.
We think the Rockets have their work cut out for them if the Lakers’ biggest star can play, but if he can’t, this contest could go either way — and keep an eye on Houston’s health as well (more on that shortly).
Records, standing, and streaks
At present, the Rockets have a 17-10 record, which puts them in the Western Conference standings’ sixth-place slot.
The Lakers are the owners of a 19-9 record, good enough for fourth place in the West.
What happened in the last game for each team?
Houston lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 128-108 on the road.
Los Angeles lost to the Phoenix Suns 132-108, also on the road.
Injuries
For Houston, Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle), Jae’Sean Tate (wrist), and Alperun Sengun (calf) are questionable, and Fred VanVleet (ACL) is out.
For the Lakers, Gabe Vincent (back) is out, Jaxson Hayes (ankle) and Luka Doncic (leg) are questionable, and Rui Hachimura (groin) is probable.
Probable starting lineups – HoustonAmen ThompsonKevin DurantJosh OkogieJabari Smith Jr.Alperun SengunProbable starting lineups – L.A.Marcus SmartNick Smith Jr.Jake LaRaviaLeBron JamesDeandre AytonHere’s when you should tune in to see the game:Date: 12/25Time: 9700 p.m. CTTV Channel: NBC, Space City Home NetworkLive Stream: Fubo (watch for free)