Lakers Secure Victory Over Rockets in Playoff Clash
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · crypto.com Arena
Los Angeles Lakers 107, Houston Rockets 98, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers?
Los Angeles Lakers beat Houston Rockets 107-98 at crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026.
Who was favored in Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers?
Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive playoff matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over the Houston Rockets with a final score of 107-98 at the crypto.com Arena. This victory allowed the Lakers to win the series 2-1, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The Lakers' recent form has been strong, with a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, including a three-game winning streak. They averaged 116.2 points scored and allowed 112.2 points during this stretch, demonstrating their offensive capabilities and defensive stability at home, where they have a 5-1 record.
The Rockets, on the other hand, have also shown impressive form, boasting a record of 9-1 in their last ten games. They averaged 123.6 points scored and allowed 108.4 points, indicating a high-scoring offense that has been difficult for opponents to contain. Their away record in this period stands at 4-0, reflecting their ability to perform well outside of their home venue.
In terms of previous meetings, the Lakers and Rockets have faced each other six times in the current season, with the Lakers winning four of those encounters. Notably, the Lakers secured victories on April 12, 2025, with a score of 140-109, and on April 1, 2025, winning 104-98. However, the Rockets had their successes as well, winning 124-116 on March 19, 2026, and 100-92 on March 17, 2026.
Injury concerns for the Rockets included key players Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams, all listed as day-to-day with various ailments. Their availability could significantly impact the Rockets' performance, especially in high-stakes games like this one.
The betting market reflected the competitive nature of this matchup, with DraftKings listing the Rockets as 2.5-point favorites. The total points line was set at 208.5, indicating expectations for a relatively low-scoring game compared to typical NBA standards. The odds for the Lakers to win outright were +114, while the Rockets were favored at -135.
Conditions during the game were conducive to a thrilling playoff atmosphere, with fans filling the arena to support their teams. The Lakers capitalized on their home court advantage, which has historically been a factor in their success.
Viewers were treated to a showcase of talent, with standout performances expected from both teams. The Lakers' LeBron James made significant contributions, including a crucial layup in the fourth quarter that helped seal the victory. The Rockets' scoring efforts were led by their dynamic offense, but ultimately, the Lakers' defense proved too formidable.
This game not only highlighted the skills of both teams but also set the stage for future matchups in the playoffs, as both the Lakers and Rockets look to maintain their momentum moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU -2.5 | 208.5 o -105 / u -115 | Houston Rockets -135 · Los Angeles Lakers +114 |
Injury report
- Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
- Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
- Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
Leaders
- PointsLuke Kennard27Los Angeles Lakers
- AssistsLeBron James13Los Angeles Lakers
- ReboundsDeandre Ayton11Los Angeles Lakers
- PointsAlperen Sengun19Houston Rockets
- AssistsReed Sheppard8Houston Rockets
- ReboundsJabari Smith Jr.12Houston Rockets
Recent form
Los Angeles Lakers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W3116.2 scored · 112.2 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W131-107vs Utah JazzApr 13
- W101-73vs Phoenix SunsApr 11
- W119-103at Golden State WarriorsApr 10
- L87-123vs Oklahoma City ThunderApr 8
- L128-134at Dallas MavericksApr 5
- L96-139at Oklahoma City ThunderApr 3
- W127-113vs Cleveland CavaliersApr 1
- W120-101vs Washington WizardsMar 31
- W116-99vs Brooklyn NetsMar 28
- W137-130at Indiana PacersMar 25
Houston Rockets
Last 10: 9-1Streak W1123.6 scored · 108.4 allowed per game4-0 away
- W132-101vs Memphis GrizzliesApr 13
- L132-136vs Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 11
- W113-102vs Philadelphia 76ersApr 10
- W119-105at Phoenix SunsApr 8
- W117-116at Golden State WarriorsApr 6
- W140-106vs Utah JazzApr 4
- W119-113vs Milwaukee BucksApr 2
- W111-94vs New York KnicksApr 1
- W134-102at New Orleans PelicansMar 29
- W119-109at Memphis GrizzliesMar 28
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
| LA Lakers | - | 29 | W3 | .646 | 53 |
| Phoenix | 8 | 37 | W1 | .549 | 45 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 40 | W1 | .512 | 42 |
| Golden State | 16 | 45 | L3 | .451 | 37 |
| Sacramento | 31 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
Box score
| Stat | Houston Rockets | Los Angeles Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 35-93 | 40-66 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 61 |
| Three-pointers | 11-33 | 10-19 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 53 |
| Free throws | 17-25 | 17-26 |
| Free throw % | 68 | 65 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 21 | 3 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 32 |
| Assists | 24 | 29 |
| Steals | 13 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 18 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 2 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 24 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 40 |
| Fouls | 22 | 25 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 16 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 4 | 93 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter60-69Luke Kennard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter61-69Amen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter61-71Marcus Smart makes 2-foot layup (Jake LaRavia assists)
- 3rd Quarter63-71Amen Thompson makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter63-72Luke Kennard makes technical free throw
- 3rd Quarter63-73Marcus Smart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter64-73Jabari Smith Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter64-74Jaxson Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter64-75Jaxson Hayes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter66-75Amen Thompson makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter69-75Reed Sheppard makes 28-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter69-77Rui Hachimura makes 15-foot step back jumpshot (LeBron James assists)
- 4th Quarter69-79Rui Hachimura makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Luke Kennard assists)
- 4th Quarter69-82Luke Kennard makes 27-foot three point jumper (Deandre Ayton assists)
- 4th Quarter72-82Tari Eason makes 24-foot three point jumper (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter72-85LeBron James makes 27-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter72-88Luke Kennard makes 26-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter74-88Alperen Sengun makes 5-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter76-88Alperen Sengun makes 1-foot driving dunk (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter76-91Luke Kennard makes 27-foot three point jumper (Deandre Ayton assists)
- 4th Quarter77-91Alperen Sengun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-91Tari Eason makes 23-foot running jump shot (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter80-94Marcus Smart makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot (LeBron James assists)
- 4th Quarter80-96LeBron James makes 6-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter82-96Tari Eason makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter84-96Tari Eason makes driving layup (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter84-98LeBron James makes 9-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter85-98Alperen Sengun makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-98Alperen Sengun makes driving layup (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter89-98Tari Eason makes 3-foot running dunk (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter89-100Deandre Ayton makes 2-foot floating jump shot (LeBron James assists)
- 4th Quarter91-100Amen Thompson makes 3-foot dunk (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter91-101Marcus Smart makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-102Marcus Smart makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-102Jabari Smith Jr. makes tip in dunk
- 4th Quarter93-104Deandre Ayton makes reverse layup (Marcus Smart assists)
- 4th Quarter93-105Deandre Ayton makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter96-105Reed Sheppard makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tari Eason assists)
- 4th Quarter96-107LeBron James makes layup (Luke Kennard assists)
- 4th Quarter98-107Tari Eason makes running layup (Reed Sheppard assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Los Angeles Lakers, below favours Houston Rockets.
Venue
- crypto.com ArenaLos Angeles, CA
- Attendance19057
- OfficialsJames Capers, Ed Malloy, Tyler Ford, John Butler
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- Lakers Defeat Rockets 98-78 in Playoff MatchupMay 1, 2026
- Rockets Secure Victory Over Lakers in Close ContestApr 29, 2026
- Rockets Dominate Lakers in Playoff ShowdownApr 26, 2026
- Lakers Edge Rockets in Overtime ThrillerApr 24, 2026
- Lakers Edge Rockets in Tight Playoff BattleApr 21, 2026