Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers game preview: start time, how to watch, injury report, betting line

January 5, 2025

The Houston Rockets will try to salvage a 2-3 homestand when they welcome LeBron James (maybe) and the Los Angeles Lakers (definitely) to Toyota Center this evening.

Most Rockets fans that answered a poll at the beginning of the homestand said that they would be happy with a 3-2 stretch. That’s impossible now, but 2-3 could allow Houston to put some distance between themselves a team that will be pushing for a playoff spot all year.

Houston gets Amen Thompson back from suspension tonight. That, plus maybe the offense making some shots (non-Jalen Green edition) could lead to good things for the Good Guys.

We’ll be in the Playback room tonight, so you should come join to watch the Rockets and talk about the game. Remember, we get a handful of VIP passes that we give out to anyone who wants to watch the game. No League Pass necessary!

Tip-off

6pm CT

How To Watch

Space City Home Network and Playback

Injury Report

Rockets

Tari Eason: GTD

Jabari Smith Jr.: OUT

Lakers

LeBron James: GTD

Anthony Davis: GTD

Gabe Vincent: GTD

Jalen Hood-Schifino: OUT

Christian Wood: OUT

The Line (as of this post)

HOU -4.5

Check here for updates

Looking ahead because we can

Tuesday night in D.C. against the Washington Wizards