Tensions will be high when the Houston Rockets look for revenge against the Los Angeles Lakers in a clash at the Toyota Center, after a heated game between the two teams on Monday. Join The Roar for a live blog and scores of the match from 12pm (AEDT).
These two sides faced off on Monday, when the Lakers won by 18 points. However, there was drama on the floor as DeMarcus Cousins and Markieff Morris got into a heated exchange. Both players did not finish the game after they were ejected.
LA will be looking to score another victory against Houston, as they continue to look in excellent touch. They currently hold the best record in the NBA with an 8-3 win-loss record. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have shined for the Lakers, while newcomers Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schröder have found some strong early-season form.
Meanwhile, the Rockets need to turn their horrid season around. They currently sit 14th in the standings with a 3-5 record, and so come into this game as undersogs. While Houston have had key players missing multiple games, stars James Harden and Christian Wood will be hopeful of spurring their side to an upset win over the Lakers.
While the Lakers will be considered the favourite by the majority of fans and media, a James Harden versus LeBron James battle is always highly entertaining and a game that should not be missed.
Join The Roar at midday today for live score updates and a blog of the Western Conference clash.
Tip-off: 12pm (AEDT)
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston
Live stream: NBA League Pass
Odds: Lakers $1.49, Rockets $2.64
Rockets
Bruno Caboclo, Chris Clemons, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Gordon, James Harden, Danuel House Jr, Mason Jones, Kenyon Martin Jr, Ben McLemore, David Nwaba, Jae’Sean Tate, Brodric Thomas, PJ Tucker, John Wall, Christian Wood
Lakers
Kostas Antetokounmpo, Devontae Cacok, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso, Quinn Cook, Anthony Davis, Jared Dudley, Marc Gasol, Montrezl Harrell, Talen Horton-Tucker, LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma, Wesley Matthews, Alfonzo McKinnie, Markieff Morris, Dennis Schroder
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining me for the live score and blog of the Rockets v Lakers game. Be sure to come back tomorrow at 2pm (AEDT) as I do the live scores and blog for the Clippers v Pelicans
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
The Rockets were led by James Harden and Christian Wood. Harden finished with 16PTS, 7RB and 6AST, while Wood had 18PTS and 8RB. Other key contributors included DeMarcus Cousins (13PTS, 10RB), John Wall (10PTS, 5AST) and Eric Gordon (13PTS).
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
The Player of the Game was clearly LeBron James, who scored 22PTS in the first half to help the team put the game away early. He finished with 26PTS, 8RB, and 5ASTS. Other key contributors included Anthony Davis (19PTS, 10RB, 5BLK), Kyle Kuzma (11PTS, 11RB), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (14PTS,2STL, 80% 3PT%)
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
The Los Angeles Lakers win a second game in a row against Houston, winning by 17 points with LA finishing with 117 and the Rockets with 100.
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Jones hits 1/2 free throws, as the Lakers run down the clock. Caboclo finishes the game with a dunk. Lakers 117, Rockets 100
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Quinn Cook gets his two pointer to go, as he fouls Jones down the other end. Jones will shoot two free throws. 30 seconds remaining in the game. Lakers 117, Rockets 97
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Tate makes his way inside and hits the two pointer. The Rockets are on an 18-4 run, but it is too little too late. Lakers 115, Rockets 97
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Caboclo draws the foul on Horton-Tucker, putting the Rockets in the bonus. He hits 1/2. Lakers 113, Rockets 95
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Kenyon Martin Jr misses the dunk, as Harrell is fouled at the other end. Harrell hits 1/2 free throws, bringing him to 14PTS. Lakers 113, Rockets 94
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Tate drives to the rim from the corner arc, and manages to make the drive amongst the tough defenders. Lakers 112, Rockets 94
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Quinn Cook drives to the rim and draws the shooting foul on Jones. He hits the first free throw but happens to miss the second. Jones drives it down to the other end and draws a shooting foul. He also hits 1/2 shots. Lakers 112, Rockets 92
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Game resumes as Harrell misses the shot.
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
No way the Rockets win now, but it's good to see spurts of Cousins' prime on display
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Horton-Tucker misses a dunk, as Cousins responds by slamming it at the other end. The big man is looking good, with 13PTS as the Lakers call another time out, with 5 minutes left in the final term. Lakers 111, Rockets 91
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Cousins saves the offensive play by getting the tip in, in a game where he has looked good. Lakers 111, Rockets 89
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Kuzma gets the charging foul called against him, as Boogie finally gets a call to go his way
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Harrell responds with a dunk at the other end. Lakers 111, Rockets 87
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
McLemore nails the step back three, shooting 3/4 and looking clutch. Lakers 109, Rockets 87
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
Gameplay resumes, as Horton-Tucker turns it over deep in the paint. Rockets run it up as Horton-Tucker and McLemore bump heads.
Liam Clark
Roar Guru
McLemore scores off the assist from Cousins. Cousins is sitting on 9PTS, 7RB for the game as the Lakers call a timeout. Lakers 109, Rockets 84