Rockets Must Win Game 4 Sunday or Lakers Clinch Playoff Series

The Lakers lead the series 3-0. Rockets must win Game 4 at home to avoid elimination, a tough task after losing the first three games.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

The Houston Rockets are staring down the barrel of elimination, trailing the Los Angeles Lakers three games to none in their first-round playoff series. Game 4 is set to take place at the Toyota Center on Sunday, April 26, with tip-off scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET. The Rockets, holding an 85.2% win percentage according to ESPN's game data, must secure a victory to prevent the Lakers from advancing.

The Lakers have taken the first two games on their home court and secured a victory in Houston for Game 3. The Rockets' inability to score consistently, highlighted by allowing 15 turnovers in Game 2 and failing to break 100 points even with Kevin Durant in the lineup for Game 2, has been a significant factor in their struggles.

Follow live: Rockets look to keep series alive vs. Lakers in Game 4 - 1

Series Trajectory and Broadcast Details

The Lakers, playing what ESPN suggests was their "best basketball late in the season," secured wins of 107-98 in Game 1 and 101-94 in Game 2. Game 3, played on April 24, saw the Lakers take a commanding lead, with Rui Hachimura leading the charge for LA with 16 points on perfect shooting. The series is being broadcast across various platforms, with Game 4 slated for NBC and streaming on Peacock. This follows Game 3's availability on Prime Video.

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Context and Season Performance

The playoff series is a continuation of a season where the Lakers, ranked third in the Western Conference at 43-25, have shown a scoring advantage. They've averaged 116.3 points per game, exceeding the points their opponents have typically allowed. The Rockets, meanwhile, held an 85% win percentage leading up to this point, but their offensive output against the Lakers' defense has been a clear weakness. The NBA Playoffs commenced on April 18, with the Finals set to begin on June 3.

Read More: Rockets Without Durant Face Lakers in Game 4 Elimination

  • Game 1: Lakers 107, Rockets 98

  • Game 2: Lakers 101, Rockets 94

  • Game 3: Lakers win (score details pending final reports, but Lakers led significantly at halftime 63-52)

  • Game 4: April 26, 9:30 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock)

  • Game 5: April 29* (if necessary)

  • Game 6: May 1* (if necessary)

  • Game 7: May 3* (if necessary)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are the Houston Rockets facing elimination in Game 4 against the Lakers?
The Rockets are down 3-0 in the series. They lost the first three games to the Los Angeles Lakers and must win Game 4 to avoid being eliminated from the playoffs.
Q: When and where is Game 4 between the Rockets and Lakers?
Game 4 is on Sunday, April 26, at the Toyota Center in Houston. The game starts at 9:30 p.m. ET and will be shown on NBC and Peacock.
Q: What has been the Rockets' biggest problem in the series against the Lakers?
The Rockets have struggled with scoring and turnovers. They had 15 turnovers in Game 2 and have not scored over 100 points in any game, even with Kevin Durant playing.
Q: What are the Lakers' chances of winning the series in Game 4?
The Lakers have won all three games so far, including one in Houston. They are playing well and have a strong scoring average this season, making them likely to win Game 4 and end the series.
Q: What happens if the Rockets win Game 4?
If the Rockets win Game 4, the series will continue. Game 5 would be played on April 29, Game 6 on May 1, and Game 7 on May 3, if needed. But if they lose, their season is over.