Lakers vs. Rockets schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.NBA veterans LeBron James and Kevin Durant will go head-to-head in the first round of the NBA Playoffs as the Lakers take on the Rockets.
Los Angeles was picking up momentum and wins throughout March, but the franchise lost two powerhouse starters to injuries in early April. Luka Doncic (hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (oblique strain) both went down in a 43-point loss to Oklahoma City and have been sidelined ever since.Houston could easily take advantage of the Lakers' injuries. The Rockets have a top-five defense for the second year in a row, and the combination of KD and Alperen Şengün makes the offense pretty strong as well.
If the Rockets can contain LeBron in the postseason, they have a good chance at stealing this series. Who will prove themselves in the first round?Here's everything you need to know about Lakers vs. Rockets, including TV channel and streaming options for each game of the playoff series.
Lakers vs. Rockets scheduleDateGameTime (ET)WatchApril 18Game 1: Lakers 107, Rockets 98——April 21Game 2: Lakers 101, Rockets 94——April 24Game 3: Lakers at Rockets5 p.m.Prime VideoApril 26Game 4: Lakers at Rockets6:30 p.m.NBC, Peacock, DIRECTVApril 29Game 5: Rockets at Lakers*TBATBAMay 1Game 6: Lakers at Rockets*TBATBAMay 3Game 7: Rockets at Lakers*TBATBA* If necessaryWhere to watch Lakers vs. Rockets: TV channel, live streamTV channels: ESPNLive streams: DIRECTV | ESPN app | Peacock | Prime VideoThe Lakers vs.
Rockets series will air across multiple platforms thanks to the NBA's expanded broadcast deal, which will see games split among the ESPN networks, NBC and Peacock, and Prime Video. Games on ABC, ESPN networks and NBC can be streamed live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users. Fans can also turn to the streaming homes for each broadcast partner — Prime Video, Peacock or the ESPN app — for games on those platforms.NBA Playoffs bracket 2026Click here for the updated 2026 NBA Playoffs bracket from The Sporting News.NBA Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason.
EventDatesPlay-In TournamentApril 14-17First round beginsApril 18Conference semifinals beginMay 4*NBA Draft LotteryMay 10Eastern Conference finals beginMay 19*Western Conference finals beginMay 20*NBA Finals beginJune 3NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary)June 19NBA DraftJune 23-24* Can move up depending on earlier seriesRelated LinksLatest NBA news and rumorsFull 2025-26 NBA schedule and scoresHow to bet on the NBAThe GOAT Debate: Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James