In night two of a back-to-back for both teams, the Lakers host the Rockets on Monday night. Both teams played in the same Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, so there’s no travel for either side in between. Los Angeles fell to Philadelphia, while Houston lost to the Clippers.
The Rockets have lost 10 straight and 15 of their last 16 games, but there are some reinforcements on the way, which might make them less weary than they would otherwise be on the second half of a back-to-back. Jalen Green and Jae’Sean Tate will each return after missing Sunday’s game due to suspensions, and Kevin Porter Jr. could return after missing the last two games with a foot injury.
It’s been another underwhelming season for the veteran-laden Lakers, who sit at No. 13 in the Western Conference standings — only two spots in front of last-place Houston! That may also, however, make them heavily incentivized to pursue a win over one of the only West opponents that they should feel confident in being able to beat.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Monday, Jan. 16
- Time: 9:30 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (10-33)
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Guard: Eric Gordon
- Forward: KJ Martin
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Los Angeles Lakers (19-24)
- Guard: Dennis Schroder
- Guard: Troy Brown Jr.
- Forward: Juan Toscano-Anderson
- Forward: LeBron James
- Center: Thomas Bryant
Projected lineups are based on each team’s prior game, with exceptions related to suspensions (Green) that are now completed.
Injury reports
Neither team will issue an official injury report until Monday afternoon, owing to the back-to-back. On Sunday, Houston listed Kevin Porter Jr. as doubtful with a left foot contusion. For the Lakers, Anthony Davis (right foot stress injury), Patrick Beverley (non-COVID illness), Austin Reaves (left hamstring strain), and Lonnie Walker IV (left knee tendinitis) were each listed as out on Sunday night.
