Lakers vs. Rockets first-round series to be drawn out over two weeks
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Lakers vs. Rockets first-round series to be drawn out over two weeks
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows LeBron James points to the sky after scoring against the Houston Rockets, Image 2 shows An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets smiles during the game against the Utah Jazz, Image 3 shows Basketball player Luka Doncic in a purple Lakers jersey with number 77, smiling on court
FollowingPortland’s thrilling victory over the Sunsin the NBA Play-In Tournament, the NBA announced the rest of the schedule for the NBA playoffs — and Laker Nation should be celebrating.
Lakers forward LeBron James reacts to his basket against the Houston Rockets in the second quarter at Toyota Center. Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
In a shocking revelation — or not so shocking, if you believe media pundits and conspiracy theorists — the first-round series between the Lakers and Rockets is one of the most drawn out of the opening round.
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Game 1 is set for Saturday, April 18, which was known. But the real juicy part came in the remainder of the schedule.
Game 2 is set for Tuesday, April 21 inLos Angeles, before the series moves to Houston for Games 3 and 4 on April 24 and 26, respectively. That gives the Lakers two full days off between Games 1 and 2 and 2 and 3, almost unheard of in an NBA playoff situation.
However, that wasn’t the most shocking revelation.
Should the series get to a Game 5 back in Los Angeles, that will be played on Wednesday, April 29, 11 days after Game 1.
Games 6 and 7 are set for May 1 and May 3, respectively.
LA’s LeBron James is defended by Rockets’ Kevin Durant on March 16 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images
This is huge news for the Lakers as they enter the postseason one of the most snake-bitten teams in the NBA.
When asked on Tuesday about their availability for Game 1, head coachJJ Redickwas blunt in his response.
“They’re out indefinitely,” Redick said. “I’m not going to have an update for you this week. They’re out indefinitely.”
Dončić was having an MVP-caliber season before suffering the injury with five games remaining in the regular season. He led the league in scoring (33.5 points), was third in assists (8.3) and sixth in steals (1.6).
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While not as heralded as Dončić andLeBron James, the Lakers looked like a true title contender when Reaves returned from injury. With him in the lineup, Los Angeles went 15–2 in March and surged.
Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 12 at Crypto.Com Arena in LA. NBAE via Getty Images
Reaves was at the Lakers’ practice facility on Tuesday and was seen shooting on the court during the portion of practice that was open to media members.
While wearing slides, Reaves participated in a free throw shooting contest at the end of practice, missing a trio of free throws to the delight of his teammates. He made a corner 3-pointer before walking off the court.
It’s expected that both injuries take around 4–6 weeks to heal.
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Dončić is attempting to speed up that process by traveling to Spain to receive special treatment (he’s scheduled to return to stateside on Friday), while Reaves’ situation is more about pain management.
With the way the first round schedule has been set,Dončić and Reaves could potentially returnfor Game 5, which would be four weeks since they both suffered the initial injury.
Any bit of a hope is reason for celebration if you’re Los Angeles.
First Round Schedule(if necessary)
Game 1: Saturday, April 18 (Los Angeles) — 5:30 p.m. (ABC)
Game 2: Tuesday, April 21 (Los Angeles) — 7:30 p.m. (NBC)
Game 3: Friday, April 24 (Houston) — 5 p.m. (Prime)
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Game 4: Sunday, April 26 (Houston) — 6:30 p.m. (NBC)
Game 5: Wednesday, April 29 (Los Angeles) — TBD (TBD)
Game 6: Friday, May 1 (Houston) — TBD (TBD)
Game 7: Wednesday, May 3 (Los Angeles) — TBD (TBD)
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