The Los Angeles Lakers are facing another high-powered offense with two explosive scorers. However, after going the distance in the first round, the Houston Rockets’ conditioning is a big question mark. Will we see a tired or in-rhythm Houston team?
Catch the series-opener Saturday, September 5 at 9:00 AM (Manila time)
HOME TEAM: #1 Los Angeles Lakers (0-0)
The Lakers closed out the first round on a high note. They backdoor swept the Portland Trail Blazers, 4-1, and averaged 117.2 points per game.
It’s what they need while preparing for the similarly fast-paced and Rockets, whom they lost to twice in three games during the regular season. Both were convincing defeats too as they got nipped by 10 and 16 points, one of those games being in the bubble.
Anthony Davis (24.5 PPG, 12.5 RPG) and LeBron James (24.5 PPG, 13.5 PPG) have each played two games opposite the Rockets this season, and they are averaging identical double-double numbers in those contests. The two stars are also putting up all-around stats in the postseason – AD is at 29.8 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.4 SPG, and 1.4 BPG, while LeBron is tallying a triple double with 27.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, and 10.2 APG.
The supporting cast started slow in the first round, and they’re hoping that’s not the case this time. Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Danny Green will remain as the top secondary options.
ROAD TEAM: #4 Houston Rockets (0-0)
The Rockets just got done grinding out a seven-game series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. It’ll be interesting to see if that drained their energy or made helped be reach a higher playoff form.
While the playoff points aren’t earth-shattering (110.4 PPG), the threes are as expected (18.2 3PG). It’s their best and most dangerous asset, and it’s a good one to have against the Lakers’ suspect outside shooting.
Houston’s own superstar tandem boasted big numbers in the regular season series, with Russell Westbrook scoring 38 PPG on 62.7% shooting (two games) and James Harden at 29 PPG (three games). Harden also filled the stat sheet against Laker defense in last month’s meeting – 39 points, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists on 11-for-19 shooting (he had 10 TOs, but still).
The bevy of combo guards and wings will be ready to back the two All-Stars up. Eric Gordon, Robert Covington, Jeff Green, Austin Rivers and Danuel House can be streaky shooters, and they’ll create damage.
Green, in particular, emerged out of nowhere in the OKC series, as he had two games with 20 or more points and 60-plus FG%.
PREDICTION:
The Laker defense should prepare themselves to chase and rotate around the three for 48 minutes. If they dare the Rockets to keep hoisting it and sag off, their outside shooting won’t be able to keep up with the high volume of treys.
I don’t know if they can slow Harden or Westbrook too. The Rockets may draw first blood, 115-110.
