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If it feels like the first round of the NBA playoffs is taking longer than usual, that’s probably because it is. You should be happy about it! If you don’t like basketball, then you’re probably mildly interested in this article or the playoffs anyway, but that’s another conversation.
More hoops is always better for me, and I’m glad these series were competitive and entertaining.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers C Deandre Ayton during Game 1 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Houston tonight to fight and try to close out their series. I’ll start with the bad… If the Lakers lose, that means there will be a Game 7. Anything can happen in these situations. If the Lakers lose this game, it means they will be the first NBA team to blow a 3-0 lead.
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Not exactly the legacy or exit you’d want if you’re LeBron James (who probably isn’t retiring anyway).
In Game 5, on their home court, the Lakers took a big lead, but they kind of fell flat. They got a boost with the return of Austin Reaves, but he was ineffective and looked like he hadn’t played competitive basketball in a month. Maybe in this second game everything will be fine.
The problem is that outside of Reaves and James, there is very little to be encouraged about from the Lakers. The team is not as good as Houston on defense, and they are definitely the older team. This was important in their Game 3 victory, as experience allowed them to overcome a six-point deficit to push the game into overtime and secure the victory.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun dunks the ball over the Los Angeles Lakers during Game 1 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
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However, the youth of the Houston Rockets could also be a blessing. These games only have one day off between them. This leads to tired legs for both players, but the Rockets have an average age of 27.8, 11th in the league. However, the average age in minutes is lower.
It’s the opposite for the Lakers, with a lower overall age, but a higher age per minute. This is important information because the core of the Lakers, especially since Reaves and Luka Doncic were/are out, the team has had to rely more on veterans.
The Rockets are without Kevin Durant, the only scorer they needed last season to have a good run in the playoffs. However, their team seems to have found some identity over the last few games. They are now playing with the house money. If they lose, the narrative will be that it’s because Durant was injured. If they can win the series, it’s because they no longer have the same pressure as at the start of the series, and it’s because the young people have mobilized.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California on January 4, 2026. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Just looking at the last three games, the Rockets have been the better team. I would even be willing to argue that they were the better team in the second game, but that’s more of a question. An epic collapse in game three put them behind. It would certainly help to have Durant around to make things easier, but he has been ruled out.
I really like Houston in this game. At this point, the pressure is on the Lakers to close the door. Other than James, there aren’t many areas where I think they have an advantage over Houston. Reaves could come out and look considerably better in this game, and that would make a difference, but the Rockets rely on smart shooting and defense. They will win and cover this one.
For more news and sports betting, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024
