Lakers Take on Rockets for Second Time in Three Days
The Los Angeles Lakers will look to make it seven straight wins as they take on the Houston Rockets for the second time in three days.
It’s a battle of two Western Conference teams that are fighting for better positioning in the playoff race. As of now, the Lakers hold on to the No. 3 seed with a 1.5-game lead over the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
The regular season is coming down to the wire, and every game will count in the final stretch before the NBA Playoffs.
Luka Doncic Continues Push for Scoring Title
Lakers guard Luka Doncic has continued his pursuit of the scoring title in 2025-26. March has been particularly impressive for the 27-year-old.
Through nine games this month, Doncic is averaging 34.3 points per game while adding 9.0 rebounds and 7.7 assists. He’s coming off six straight 30-plus point games that include a 51-point outing in a win over the Chicago Bulls on March 12 and a 44-point display in a March 6 win over the Indiana Pacers.
Los Angeles will need another solid outing from the MVP candidate to separate itself in the standings.
Alperen Sengun Returns for the Rockets
While Alperen Sengun missed two straight games with a lingering back issue, the All-Star center is set to return for Wednesday’s matchup. His presence is hard to avoid while averaging 20.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this season.
Lakers centers Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes will have a much tougher time defending the paint in this one. All while the Rockets’ top scorers like Kevin Durant and Reed Sheppard look for better shooting opportunities.
Limiting Kevin Durant
It’s tough imagining that Los Angeles will be able to limit Kevin Durant to under 20 points in back-to-back games. Especially with the addition of Alperen Sengun to the lineup.
After giving up 14 points to Durant in the first half of Monday’s win, the Lakers limited the all-time great to just four in the second.
As the Rockets get Alperen Sengun back, it’s hard to say that 100 points will be enough to get a win in the rematch between the two teams tonight. The Lakers will need more help from role players like Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Jake LaRavia to be able to secure a win.
