The Los Angeles Lakers will be without Maxi Kleber on Wednesday, sidelined with a lumbar back strain, as they travel to face the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center.
Los Angeles has won its last two games, including a 100-92 victory over Houston in their previous meeting on March 16.
Houston will be missing four key players, including Steven Adams, Jae’Sean Tate, and Fred VanVleet, all out due to surgery or knee injuries. Tristen Newton is also unavailable on a two-way assignment.
Luka Doncic leads the Lakers, averaging 32.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game, while Austin Reaves contributes 23.8 points and 5.5 assists. LeBron James adds 21.2 points with 5.7 boards, and Deandre Ayton provides inside presence with 12.5 points and 8.4 rebounds.
Houston counters with Kevin Durant, posting 25.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest, and Alperen Sengun, who averages 20.2 points with 8.9 rebounds. Amen Thompson is the team’s primary facilitator, delivering 17.8 points and 5.3 assists per game, while Jabari Smith Jr. adds 15.5 points and 6.8 boards.
The matchup is pivotal for playoff positioning, with the Lakers holding a 43-25 record and third in the Western Conference, while the Rockets sit 41-26 in fourth.
Both teams have split their season series, with Houston winning 119-96 on December 25 before Los Angeles evened the series in March.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET at the Toyota Center in Houston.
