Image source: Getty Images
2025-26 NBA Post Season
Playoffs, first round - Game 1
Los Angeles Lakers v Houston Rockets
Crypto.com Arena
Los Angeles, California
Sunday 19 April 2026
Tip-off at 00:30
A Playoff rivalry dating back all the way to 1981 sees Los Angeles Lakers lock horns with Houston Rockets in
Game 1 of the Western Conference first round at the Crypto.com Arena on the morning of Sunday, April 19.
The first post-season meeting between the two teams led to a 2-1 victory for the Rockets - also in the first round - and they won again in the 1986 Western Conference Finals following a 4-1 rout.
But the Lakers have come out on top in six of their subsequent seven match-ups, most recently in the 2020 Western Conference semi-finals (a 4-1 win).
JJ Redick's team were flying high in March, losing just two of their 17 games before their momentum was derailed by two heavy defeats at the hands of Oklahoma City Thunder and a loss to Dallas Mavericks sandwiched inbetween.
The Lakers went on to secure fourth place in the West with a record of 53-29 - the joint-fifth best in the NBA - with Luka Doncic playing a key role in their Playoff surge.
The point guard won his second scoring title after averaging 33.5 points per game, 8.5 assists and 7.7 rebounds, while leading the NBA in total points (2,143) despite missing the run-in with a hamstring injury.
Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Redick doesn't expect to have Doncic or Austin Reaves available just yet, but insists Pacific Division franchise must find their way out of the wilderness in the meantime.
"We have been on hikes all season long, gotten lost in the woods and nobody thinks we're going to be rescued," he said.
"And we find a path and we get back to the meadow and find civilisation, and we're going to be OK. That's what our group is. I think we've all just embraced that, and we just have to find it now with this group."
Houston pushed LA and third-seeded Denver Nuggets down the final stretch, but ultimately had to settle for fifth place after winning nine of their last 10 games to finish with a record of 52-30.
Kevin Durant led the scoring with 26.0 points per game, while Alperen Sengun also caught the eye after recording team-highs in rebounds (8.9), assists (6.2) and blocks (1.1).
Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka is not about to take the Lakers lightly, admitting they are still a handful even without Doncic and Reaves.
"Obviously [we] know they're injured, but quality players across the board," Udoka said.
"You saw that in the Minnesota game, they had guys out or whatever the case may be, but it's still the NBA. They have some really great players there, so we'll have our hands full."
Los Angeles Lakers v Houston Rockets - Head-to-head, Post Season
Games played: 40
Lakers wins: 24
Rockets wins: 16
Bet on Basketball
If you want to bet on all the NBA action make sure to visit Betway where you'll find all the latest fixtures, as well as the option to bet on all the matches live.
Join our Telegram Channel
Get way more with Betway. Enjoy the thrill of sports betting, casino games, and more. Join our community for tips, bonuses, and exciting offers. #BetwaySquad
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions, follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube. Download the Betway App.