The Rockets, who are 9-1 in their last 10 games, own the No. 2 seed in the West and are in a good spot with just a few weeks left in the regular season. Los Angeles is three games behind the Rockers in the standings, so this will prove to be a crucial game for them.

The Los Angeles Lakers are playing very streaky basketball, and that might not be a good thing. They have been alternating winning and losing streaks over the last couple of weeks. LA won eight straight games before LeBron James got hurt.

LeBron James returned from a two-week injury absence, looking rested and ready to lead the Los Angeles Lakers down the stretch toward the postseason.