Lakers Could Offer a Great Postseason Matchup for the Rockets

Houston is on pace for another 50-win season despite key injuries.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:51pm

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The Houston Rockets have clinched a playoff berth for the second straight season, despite injuries to key players like Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams. The Rockets currently hold the 5th seed in the Western Conference, but could potentially face the 4th-seeded Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs if the standings hold. While the Rockets have struggled against the Lakers recently, they did beat them handily on Christmas Day, and the Lakers' defensive struggles could make them a favorable matchup for Houston's young core led by Alperen Sengun.

Why it matters

A first-round playoff matchup between the Rockets and Lakers would be a highly anticipated and potentially entertaining series, as the two teams have a history of close games and the Lakers' defensive vulnerabilities could play to the Rockets' strengths.

The details

The Rockets have clinched a playoff berth for the second consecutive season, despite key injuries to players like Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams. They are on pace for a 50-win season, having won 61.8% of their games so far. The Rockets currently hold the 5th seed in the Western Conference, but are only one game ahead of the 6th-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves with 6 games left. If the standings hold, the Rockets could face the 4th-seeded Lakers in the first round. While the Rockets have struggled against the Lakers recently, losing both meetings last month, they did beat the Lakers handily on Christmas Day. The Lakers have struggled defensively this season, ranking 20th in defensive rating, which could play to the Rockets' advantage, especially with the strong play of Alperen Sengun against the Lakers this season.

  • On Thursday night, the Houston Rockets clinched a postseason berth for the second consecutive season.
  • Luka Doncic suffered what appeared to be a serious hamstring injury on Thursday night.
  • The Rockets and Lakers played two games against each other last month, with the Lakers winning both.

The players

Fred VanVleet

The Rockets' floor general and vocal leader who has been sidelined for the entire season.

Steven Adams

The Rockets' center who has been out of commission since January 18th.

Alperen Sengun

The Rockets' young center who has dominated the Lakers this season, averaging 20.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists per game against them.

Luka Doncic

The Dallas Mavericks star who suffered a potentially serious hamstring injury on Thursday night.

Los Angeles Lakers

The 4th-seeded team in the Western Conference who have struggled defensively this season, ranking 20th in defensive rating.

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What’s next

If the standings hold, the Rockets and Lakers could face off in the first round of the playoffs, which would be a highly anticipated matchup.

The takeaway

Despite key injuries, the Rockets have clinched a playoff berth for the second straight season and could face the Lakers in the first round, a matchup that would be favorable for Houston given the Lakers' defensive struggles this year.