NBA: Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting 5s
On Sunday, the Houston Rockets will play the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center in what will be their final NBA game of the season. The Rockets, who were the Western Conference’s 15th seed, have lost four of their first five games this season.
Their lone victory came against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who had a 1-4 record this season as well. Despite having strong scorers on their rosters such as Christian Wood and youngster Jalen Green, the Rockets have lacked a solid perimeter defense to alleviate their downtown concerns.
Jae’Sean Tate, of course, has shown promise as a perimeter shooter. He isn’t enough against teams with numerous players with lethal outside shots. To improve on last season’s results, Houston must not only tighten up their defense but also make better use of their bench.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Houston Rockets, who have a 3-3 record this season. The Lakers have allowed 116.5 points per game despite having Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Russell Westbrook on the roster.
They’re also making fewer free throws and grabbing fewer boards than their opponents, and they’re committing more turnovers. If LeBron James and his teammates do not improve in these areas quickly, they may have to compete in another play-in round to qualify for the playoffs.
Injury Update for the Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets will want to prevent a repeat of their tumultuous 2020-21 season, which was marred by injuries and too many losses. Despite the lack of injuries in the team, they have had a dismal start to the season.
Danuel House Jr. will sit out this game after missing the previous one against the Utah Jazz due to a sprained right foot. Kevin Porter Jr., who has been labeled as questionable for Sunday’s game, could play if he recovers.
Jordan Clarkson and Jalen Green became the first two players of Filipino descent to share the court in NBA history 🙌@JordanClarksons | @JalenGreen pic.twitter.com/nY2TnSzY7G
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 29, 2021
Injury Update for the Los Angeles Lakers
Injuries have not been kind to the LA Lakers, as they have been to their forthcoming opponents. Multiple key bench players have been injured, limiting the depth of their rotation.
Due to a painful right knee, Anthony Davis, who only played 36 games last season, has been listed as probable for this game. Given AD’s history of ailments, the ‘probable’ status is undoubtedly a plus for the squad. Davis is a vital player for the Lakers, therefore it is problematic for Frank Vogel’s club.
LeBron James is another prominent name on the Los Angeles Lakers’ injury list. Due to a painful ankle, King James was unable to play against the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He’s been listed as questionable for this matchup once again.
Meanwhile, due to a strained left hamstring, Wayne Ellington joins him on the ‘questionable’ list. Kendrick Nunn, Trevor Ariza, and Talen Horton-Tucker will remain on the bench for the time being.
Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers: Predicted Lineups
Houston Rockets
If Kevin Porter is ruled unable to play against the Lakers, the Rockets will be forced to start Eric Gordon. In the backcourt, he might start with Jalen Green, who is averaging 14.2 points and 2.4 three-pointers. In the frontcourt, Tate should start with Christian Wood, Houston’s leading scorer, and Daniel Theis.
LA Lakers
Coach Vogel might start Davis as the team’s power forward if Davis is healthy. In James’ absence, Kent Bazemore should start at small forward, with DeAndre Jordan at the center.
Russell Westbrook should return to his point guard role and start alongside Malik Monk, who is averaging 1.7 three-pointers per game.
Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers: Predicted Starting 5s
Houston Rockets
Point Guard – Jalen Green | Shooting Guard – Eric Gordon | Small Forward – Jae’Sean Tate | Power Forward – Christian Wood | Center – Daniel Theis.
LA Lakers
Point Guard – Russell Westbrook | Shooting Guard – Malik Monk | Small Forward – Kent Bazemore | Power Forward – Anthony Davis | Center – DeAndre Jordan.