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Even with Kevin Durant back in the Game 2 lineup, the Rockets still failed to clear 100 points, giving the Lakers a 2-0 series lead.
The injury-riddled Lakers were still down both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, but the reserves came up huge in this case. Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart combined for 48 points, 9 assists and 8 steals.
Looking ahead to Game 3, the Lakers seek to apply that same defense and keep scoring low. The Rockets allowed 15 turnovers in Game 2, a key factor in the Lakers' victory. Should the Lakers keep the Rockets under the 100-point threshold again, they are the favorite to move to 3-0 in the series.
For the Rockets, the goal is to increase scoring output. The Lakers' defense has had the Rockets' number this season, but the Rockets have scored 100 points against every opponent except the Lakers since March 13. The higher the score, the better for the Rockets in Game 3.
Here's what you need to know about Friday's matchup between Rockets and Lakers, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is Rockets vs. Lakers on today?
- TV channel: None
- Live stream: Prime Video
Rockets vs. Lakers Game 3 will not air on traditional television but will stream live on Prime Video.
Watch select 2026 NBA Playoffs games exclusively on Prime Video, which is included in the 30-day free trial for new Amazon Prime customers.
Rockets vs. Lakers start time
- Date: Friday, April 24
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs series between Rockets and Lakers is set to tip off at 8:00 p.m. ET from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Rockets vs. Lakers series schedule
| April 18 | Game 1: Lakers 107, Rockets 98 | — | — |
| April 21 | Game 2: Lakers 101, Rockets 94 | — | — |
| April 24 | Game 3: Lakers at Rockets | 5 p.m. | Prime Video |
| April 26 | Game 4: Lakers at Rockets | 6:30 p.m. | NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV |
| April 29 | Game 5: Rockets at Lakers* | TBA | TBA |
| 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 |
* Can move up depending on earlier series
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