The Houston Rockets‘ season will be on the line in Friday’s Game 3 against the storied Los Angeles Lakers. Currently, Houston is trailing the series 2-0, and another loss would put the team in an insurmountable hole.
No squad in the history of the league has rallied all the way back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven format to advance. Plus, only four of the 159 teams that have faced such a deficit over the years have even forced a Game 7.
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In order for the Rockets to get back in the win column and get themselves back in this series, they need a more aggressive version of Kevin Durant in Game 3. Durant took just 12 shots across more than 40 minutes of playing time in Tuesday’s Game 2 loss.
Records, standing, and streaks
Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) as he drives to the basket during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Rockets came into this series with the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, while the Lakers have the No. 4 seed.
This is Game 3, and Los Angeles holds a 2-0 series lead.
What happened in Game 2?
Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) defends Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) after a reoubnd during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Houston lost to the Lakers (101-94) on the road.
Injuries
Apr 3, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) warms up prior to the game against the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
For Los Angeles, Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) is out and Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) is questionable.
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For Houston, Fred VanVleet (ACL repair) is out, Steven Adams (left ankle surgery) is out and Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain) is questionable.
Probable starting lineups – Houston
Mar 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Probable starting lineups – Los Angeles
Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) and guard Amen Thompson (1) in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets vs. Lakers: Stream, lineups, injury reports and more