The Houston Rockets are about to play the most important two-game slate on their schedule tonight and Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Houston has lost their season series against the Denver Nuggets, but have chances to win thei season series against the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves. Houston leads both series 1-0 thanks to wins earlier this season, so only need one win against each to clinch the series since they only play each other three times this season. Both games against the Lakers are obviously at home and Houston has one game left against the Timberwolves at Toyota Center.

The Lakers have won five straight and eight of their last nine games. Their only loss was to the Nuggets, which they avenged on Saturday night. That streak also includes wins over the Knicks and Timberwolves.

Houston won the first game against LA due to their size advantage and great defense. The Lakers are also the top team in the league at getting to the free throw line (hold your gasps), but Houston held them to 11 trips there on Christmas Day. If LA gets to the line as much as they normally do, this could get ugly.

Space City Home Network and Peacock

The Line (as of this post)

Looking ahead because we can

Wednesday night at home against the Los Angeles Lakers