New Headline: James & Co. Headed for LA, Rockets Justified in Reigning
Both teams are separated by half a game in the Western Conference standings.
Injury report: Alperen Sengun, Maxi Kleber and more ahead of Lakers vs. Rockets originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Los Angeles Lakers have 15 games remaining in the regular season, but their next two matchups may be the most important. Los Angeles will face the Houston Rockets Monday and again Wednesday. With the two teams separated by half a game, these two matchups have strong playoff implications.
Wins for each side will be vital in the race for the No. 3 seed. Also, each team will hope to remain in the top-four, with both the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves lurking, one game behind fourth place.
Teams knocked down to fifth or worse will be forced to play on the road in the first round, rather than holding home court advantage. Currently, the Lakers lead the season series against Houston, having won Christmas Day in a 23-point blowout. Ahead of tonight's game, each team is dealing with injuries.