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The signs were pointing to a series sweep for the Lakers entering Game 4, but the Rockets laid that thought to rest in convincing fashion. Capped by a 34-18 third quarter, Houston cruised to a 19-point victory.
Still without Kevin Durant, the Rockets had a full team effort out of their starting five. Each starter averaged at least 16 points and Amen Thompson led the way with 23. The only Laker to reach 16 points was Deandre Ayton with 19.
Kevin Durant has still not been cleared by doctors after suffering a bone bruise that would sideline him for 2-3 weeks in season, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. If the Rockets are still without him in Game 5, the matchup remains uphill.
Game 5 will be the litmus test for the Rockets to determine whether their dominating performance in Game 4 was a fluke or a sign of things to come. The Lakers will try to put these shortfalls in the rearview mirror to clinch a series victory.
Here's what you need to know about Wednesday's matchup between Lakers and Rockets, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is Lakers vs. Rockets on today?
- TV channel: ABC/ESPN
- Live stream: ESPN app
Lakers vs. Rockets Game 5 will be broadcast by ABC/ESPN and will stream live on the ESPN app.
Now you can watch ESPN without cable. Stream live NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, plus SportsCenter, First Take, and all your favorite ESPN shows—anytime, anywhere—only in the ESPN app.
Lakers vs. Rockets start time
- Date: Wednesday, April 29
- Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs series between Lakers and Rockets is set to tip off at 10:00 p.m. ET from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Lakers vs. Rockets series schedule
Los Angeles leads series 3-1
| April 18 | Game 1: Lakers 107, Rockets 98 | — | — |
| April 21 | Game 2: Lakers 101, Rockets 94 | — | — |
| April 24 | Game 3: Lakers 112, Rockets 108 (OT) | — | — |
| April 26 | Game 4: Rockets 115, Lakers 96 | — | — |
| April 29 | Game 5: Rockets at Lakers | 10 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, DIRECTV |
| May 1 | Game 6: Lakers at Rockets* | TBA | TBA |
| May 3 | Game 7: Rockets at Lakers* | TBA | TBA |
* If necessary
NBA Playoffs bracket 2026
Click here for the updated 2026 NBA Playoffs bracket from The Sporting News.
NBA Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026
Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason.
| Play-In Tournament | April 14-17 |
| First round begins | April 18 |
| Conference semifinals begin | May 4* |
| NBA Draft Lottery | May 10 |
| Eastern Conference finals begin | May 19* |
| Western Conference finals begin | May 20* |
| NBA Finals begin | June 3 |
| NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 19 |
| NBA Draft | June 23-24 |
* Can move up depending on earlier series
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