Lakers vs Houston Rockets Preview and Prediction: Who Gets Injured Tonight?

The Lakers will look to make it two straight wins against the Houston Rockets after their 120-114 victory on Opening Night.

So how long before the Lakers will need to hold open tryouts at the local YMCA just to fill their roster? Okay, maybe a little dramatic, but the injury bug is not letting up for the young squad.

In addition to D’Angelo Russell, Nick Young, and Jose Calderon, Tarik Black is the latest player to be knocked out by injury and none of them traveled to Houston with the team. Larry Nance Jr., who is dealing with a right knee contusion, is questionable to play tonight.

In total, the Lakers could be down five players and without a combined 47.6 points, 19.0 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game. On the flip side, the Rockets will be coming in at full health and look to take advantage of the short-handed Lakers.

For the Lakers, this game will further test the resiliency of their bench. Their second-unit was turning heads early in the season as they provided the spark for a great start to the year.

Unfortunately, due to the string of injuries, Luke Walton may be forced to promote Jordan Clarkson or Lou Williams to the starting line-up. Both have been great in their bench roles so far, and hope that will transfer to their starting role.

While the Lakers have had a rough few weeks, James Harden and Co. have been on a tear lately and will try to overpower the undermanned Lake Show with their offensive firepower. Their suspect defense will surely be put to the test as the Rockets have only been held under 100 points in 3 games so far this season.

Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 7
Start Time: 5:00 p.m. PST
Location: Houston, TX
Arena: Toyota Center
TV Info: Spectrum Sportsnet
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Radio: Here

Injury Report

Los Angeles Lakers: D’Angelo Russell – Knee (Out), Nick Young – Calf (Out), Jose Calderon – Hamstring (Out), Tarik Black – Ankle (Out), Larry Nance Jr. – Knee (Questionable)

Houston Rockets: Eric Gordon – Ankle (Probable)

Prediction

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The Rockets are at full health, have a superstar in the MVP discussion, and have won 5 of their last 6 with an impressive offense. The Lakers are missing 4, maybe even 5 players, including 2 starters, and have one of the worst defenses in the NBA. I hate to be pessimistic, but this will take a big effort from the Purple and Gold on the road.

The key to a win tonight is pretty simple: Play some sort of defense. It sounds simple enough, but not many teams, have been able to slow down Houston and most of their games just end up becoming shoot-outs. And they are getting pretty good at winning those.

If a win is out of the question, the next best thing is leaving the Toyota Center without another injury. Already stretched thin, the bench is starting to look like the Tune Squad in Space Jam.

Next: Zubac Dominating in the D-League

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