Lakers vs Rockets: How to live stream, time, venue, where to watch, who will win and the pre-buzz around the 2nd round playoff matchup
It has been that match-up fans have been waiting for. The Los Angeles Lakers will meet the Houston Rockets on Friday for Game 1 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. While LeBron James and his men might have bounced back in clinical fashion against the Portland Trail Blazers after losing the first game, they will have a stiff challenge against James Harden and the Rockets. Fair that they might be a tad tired after the exhausting game against Oklahoma City Thunder, but that doesn't mean they'll let the Lakers take Game 1 easily.
The Lakers on the other hand are a well-rested bunch. The team seems to have finally hit the groove. Houston's micro-ball approach will be widely discussed and will last for a good few games. Needless to say, this will be all about offense, and here's everything you need to know ahead of the much-anticipated matchup.
Time
The match has been scheduled to start at 9 pm ET on Friday, September 4, 2020.
Venue
Both sides will meet at the Disney Wide World of Sports, Orlando, Florida.
Where to watch?
Fans can watch the game live on ESPN.
How to live stream?
NBA TV is the easiest and most preferred option. YouTube TV is the second most looked at as it provides access to ESPN, TNT, ABC and NBA TV as well as a good amount of regional sports networks including those linked to Fox and NBC. Priced at $64.99, it comes across as a complete package. Other options include Sling TV and fuboTV that are availed at reasonable prices.
Pre-game buzz
It's all about balance for the Lakers. They will be up against a relatively small Rockets squad, but by no means is this a David vs Goliath. We'd make this more of a Thanos fight and the Lakers will be keen on getting their combination right along with backups ahead of the clash. LeBron James and Anthony Davis averaged 27 points per game while shooting a whopping 60% and 29 points per game while shooting 57% from the field respectively.
For the Rockets, Harden may have admitted he had a terrible day as far as his offense was concerned against Thunder in the decider, but that said, he gave the world a look at his defensive skills and the Lakers will be wary of 'The Beard' threat. Defense man Robert Covington stepped up when it mattered the most for the Rockets with 22 points on Wednesday and not to forget Russell Westbrook.
Who will win?
It is a tough call, but the recent form record means the Lakers have a better chance of taking this home. But we're not the ruling the Rockets out just yet. We predict Lakers in five.