The playoffs are here, and one of the more intriguing first-round matchups sees the Lakers take on the Rockets, with both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined.<\/p>\n
The Lakers secured the four-seed and will need that home court advantage as they look to advance without two key pieces.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a huge ask, but Houston\u2019s second-half form has been underwhelming. Can the Lakers pinch Game 1 at home?<\/p>\n
Backing Ayton is never comfortable, but this Lakers team needs his scoring alongside LeBron, who will draw heavy defensive attention from Amen Thompson.<\/p>\n
Ayton is averaging 16.5 points in the four games he\u2019s played without Luka and Reaves but with LeBron, including 22 points in just 25 minutes last start against Utah.<\/p>\n
He also had 16 against Houston in their March meeting.<\/p>\n
LeBron\u2019s rebounding numbers lift without Luka and Reaves, averaging 7.2 boards across five such games this season.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s hit 6+ rebounds in four of those, and while he only managed four last start, he played just 16 minutes.<\/p>\n
Expect him closer to 36 minutes in this spot.<\/p>\n
Durant\u2019s usage should be high as Houston looks to steal Game 1 on the road.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s averaging 5.9 assists across his last 17 games and has recorded 4+ assists in 14 of those.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s also averaged 4.7 assists in three games against the Lakers this season.<\/p>\n