The defending champions Los Angeles Lakers face off against a Houston Rockets side who have been ravaged by multiple injuries, tonight at 10:30 PM EST.

Champions Los Angeles Lakers are seeing a massive turnaround in their regular season and finally finding some much needed form. After a commanding victory against the Suns, the Lakers defeated a tenacious New York Knicks side, 101-99. Another massive boost for the champions is the return of superstar LeBron James, who is scheduled to make his return against the Rockets. With the Blazers having a rather tough schedule, the Lakers have a real chance of toppling Portland and clinching a playoff spot, but winning the rest of their games will be crucial in the same.

The Houston Rockets, meanwhile, are having one of their most disappointing seasons in recent memory. Ravaged by injuries to most their roster, the Rockets have relied on multiple rookies and role players to start for them instead. The Rockets lost 140-129 in their most recent outing against the Blazers.

Given that they have some young talented players, the Rockets are a massive wildcard, and if they come out all guns blazing, the champions may have a tough task in their hands.

Predictions

The Los Angeles Lakers are finally returning to full health, and their supporting cast is also stepping up. Given that they had two commanding victories over the Suns and the Knicks and are also welcoming LeBron James their next game, the Lakers are clear favorites against the Rockets, who have are weakened by injuries to key starters.

Los Angeles Lakers: Injury updates and lineup prediction

The Lakers have some serious injury concerns facing off against the Rockets. Dennis Schroder is still out adhering to the league’s health and safety protocols, while veteran Jared Dudley is sidelined indefinitely with a knee problem.

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Guard Alex Caruso suffered from a foot injury against the Knicks and is likely out against the Rockets, while forward Anthony Davis is questionable as he endured a groin injury against the Knicks.

The Lakers are getting their stars back from injuries just at the right time. With the Blazers likely to slip up in the next few games due to a tough schedule, every regular season game is a must win for the champions if they want to avoid the play-in tournament.

Probable Lineups

Talen Horton-Tucker (G)

Kentavious Caldwell Pope (G)

Kyle Kuzma (F)

LeBron James (F)

Andre Drummond (C)

Houston Rockets: Injury updates and lineup prediction

The Rockets are ravaged by injuries and are missing multiple players. John Wall, Chris Clemons, Dante Exum, Eric Gordon, David Nwaba, Sterling Brown and Avery Bradley are all listed out due to different injuries.

Guard Kevin Porter Jr., who saw a resurgence in form with the Rockets, is also sidelined with an ankle injury, while forwards Danuel House and D.J. Wilson are also out against the Lakers. Forward DaQuan Jeffries and center Christian Wood are questionable.

Probable Lineup

D.J Augustin (G)

Khyri Thomas (G)

Jae’Sean Tate (F)

Kenyon Martin Jr. (C)

Kelly Olynyk (F)

Who will win between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets? Let us know in the comments below.