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No Luka Doncic, no Kevin Durant and no Austin Reaves — in a game full of injuries, the Lakers got the better of the Rockets in Game 1.
This game was defined by defense, with the Lakers holding the Rockets to their lowest point total in over a month. It will be up to Houston to sink more shots offensively if it wants a chance at winning.
Luke Kennard led the way for Los Angeles in Game 1, scoring 27 points. DeAndre Ayton managed a double-double with 19 points. Each of the Lakers' new-look starting five scored in double figures, but their bench production was low, with just 13 points.
The Rockets did not have a scorer above 20 points against the Lakers, with Alperen Sengun leading the way at 19. With Kevin Durant out to a knee injury, the Rockets missed his firepower and struggled to find one dominant scoring option throughout the night.
Here's what you need to know about Tuesday's matchup between Lakers and Rockets, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is Lakers vs. Rockets on today?
- TV channel: NBC
- Live stream: Peacock
Lakers vs. Rockets Game 2 will be broadcast by NBC and will stream live on Peacock.
Peacock features live coverage of NFL Sunday Night Football, the NBA, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Premier League soccer, Big Ten football and basketball, Notre Dame football, Big East and Big 12 basketball, PGA Tour golf, and more.
Lakers vs. Rockets start time
- Date: Tuesday, April 21
- Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs series between the Lakers and Rockets is set to tip off at 10:30 p.m. ET from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif.
Lakers vs. Rockets series schedule
| April 18 | Game 1: Lakers 107, Rockets 98 | — | — |
| April 21 | Game 2: Rockets at Lakers | 7:30 p.m. | NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV |
| 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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