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Series Schedule is Released Ahead of Rockets-Lakers Postseason Opener on Saturday

Series Schedule is Released Ahead of Rockets-Lakers Postseason Opener on Saturday

The opening round of the 2026 NBA postseason is nearing. It's only a matter of days. The play-in tournament is ongoing and hasn't finished yet, however, it's been highly entertaining.

NBA News / Yardbarker / April 15
Marcus Smart vows Lakers won’t get punked by Rockets

Marcus Smart vows Lakers won’t get punked by Rockets in playoffs

The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the NBA playoffs on fumes, and they know it.

Lakers get crucial Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves injury updates ahead of playoffs
Bronny James gets bad news in his attempt for a trademark
At 37, Rockets superstar Kevin Durant still belongs on All-NBA first team
The 'Most points in an NBA Cup game' quiz
NBA News / Houston Rockets on SI / April 15
Practice Report: Rockets Prepare for First Round Series Against Lakers

Practice Report: Rockets Prepare for First Round Series Against Lakers

The Houston Rockets have known for a few days who their first-round matchup would be and where it would take place. The Rockets finished as the number five seed in the Western Conference.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / April 15
The Rockets Need More Consistency From Jabari Smith Jr.

The Rockets Need More Consistency From Jabari Smith Jr.

The Houston Rockets will hit the road out west to start the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers. With injuries and team construction, the Lakers might be starting the series with a deficit.

Golden State Warriors News / Yardbarker Quizzes
The 'Most 25-PPG NBA seasons' quiz

The 'Most 25-PPG NBA seasons' quiz

How many of the 39 players in NBA history to average at least 25 points-per-game in at least five seasons can you name in six minutes?

The 'Three-point leaders by NBA season' quiz
The 'Season triple-double record by team' quiz
The '60-point NBA games' quiz
Kevin Durant News / Houston Rockets on SI / April 15
Rockets' Kevin Durant and Group Purchase Former Six Flags Site in Maryland

Rockets' Kevin Durant and Group Purchase Former Six Flags Site in Maryland

Kevin Durant pays homage to his hometown roots every opportunity he gets. Even when it goes largely unnoticed.  Durant partnered with Nike to gift Jackie Taylor, the daughter of DC legend and former Washington Commanders standout safety Sean Taylor, her own custom colorway of the 'KD 18' shoe.

NBA News / Yardbarker
The 25 greatest playoff games in NBA history

The 25 greatest playoff games in NBA history

In the NBA, it's all about showing up and showing out in the posteason. With that in mind, here are the 25 greatest NBA playoff games of all time. 

Kevin Durant News / NBA on ClutchPoints / April 15
Rockets’ Kevin Durant drops mic on how LeBron, Steph, Harden, Russ continue to set gold standard

Rockets’ Kevin Durant drops mic on how LeBron, Steph, Harden, Russ continue to set gold standard

Amidst the twilight years of generational superstars such as Los Angeles Lakers All-Star LeBron James, Golden State Warriors All-Star Stephen Curry, Sacramento Kings All-Star Russell Westbrook, and Cavs’ James Harden, Houston Rockets All-Star Kevin Durant is thoroughly impressed.

Reed Sheppard News / Houston Rockets on SI / April 15
Reed Sheppard May Be the Key to the Rockets' Postseason

Reed Sheppard May Be the Key to the Rockets' Postseason

The Houston Rockets are in the NBA Playoffs for back-to-back seasons, and although the regular season records were equivalent, the teams were quite different.

NBA News / Houston Rockets on SI / April 15
Rockets' Clint Capela is Impressed by Consistency of Nuggets' Nikola Jokic

Rockets' Clint Capela is Impressed by Consistency of Nuggets' Nikola Jokic

Houston Rockets big man Clint Capela is coming off his biggest game of the 2025-26 NBA season. The 11-year veteran reserve big man even hit a three-pointer, for the first time in his NBA career, which was a big moment, as one can imagine.

NBA News / Houston Rockets on SI / April 15
NBA Playoffs: Biggest Matchups to Watch in Rockets vs. Lakers

NBA Playoffs: Biggest Matchups to Watch in Rockets vs. Lakers

Back in March, the Los Angeles Lakers rattled off two straight wins in Houston against the Rockets, and at the time, both teams' fate looked to be decided.

J.J. Redick News / Houston Rockets on SI / April 14
NBA Playoffs: JJ Redick Reveals Key to Lakers vs. Rockets

NBA Playoffs: JJ Redick Reveals Key to Lakers vs. Rockets

As heavily favored as the Houston Rockets are against an injury-riddled Los Angeles Lakers squad heading into the first round of the NBA playoffs, nothing is guaranteed.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / April 14
Rockets' Clint Capela Likes Upside of Hawks' Jonathan Kuminga

Rockets' Clint Capela Likes Upside of Hawks' Jonathan Kuminga

Houston Rockets center Clint Capela knows what it's like to be a young, unheralded prospect, while trying to make it in the NBA. Proving your worth isn't always easy.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Yardbarker
The 25 defining moments of LeBron James' career

The 25 defining moments of LeBron James' career

LeBron's career can't go on forever, can it? If it were to end tomorrow, it would be the greatest run of sustained excellence the league has ever seen.

Tari Eason News / Houston Rockets on SI / April 14
Underrated Matchups That Could Define The Rockets' First Round Matchup

Underrated Matchups That Could Define The Rockets' First Round Matchup

The Houston Rockets are preparing to take on the historic Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the postseason. After a season filled with ups and downs, the Rockets are moving into the playoffs playing some of their best basketball of the season.

NBA News / Houston Rockets on SI / April 14
There Is One Area the Houston Rockets Should Dominate in Their Series With the Lakers

There Is One Area the Houston Rockets Should Dominate in Their Series With the Lakers

The Houston Rockets will face the Los Angeles Lakers, beginning this Saturday in Los Angeles. After their loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Rockets knew they would start the playoffs on the road.

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The 'Most 25-PPG NBA seasons' quiz
 The 'Most 25-PPG NBA seasons' quiz
The 'Three-point leaders by NBA season' quiz
 The 'Three-point leaders by NBA season' quiz
The 'Five 3's off the bench games' quiz
 The 'Five 3's off the bench games' quiz
The 'Masters runners-up since 2000' quiz
 The 'Masters runners-up since 2000' quiz
Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / April 14
Breaking Down the Houston Rockets Path to the 2026 NBA Finals

Breaking Down the Houston Rockets Path to the 2026 NBA Finals

Last season, the Houston Rockets finished with 52 wins and captured the No. 2 seed in a loaded Western Conference. This year, they had the same record, but the NBA got a lot more top-heavy.

LeBron James News / HITC / April 14
LeBron James’ series vs Houston Rockets could settle GOAT debate, says NBA analyst

LeBron James’ series vs Houston Rockets could settle GOAT debate, says NBA analyst

The debate over the greatest basketball player of all time continues to divide opinion between LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Jordan’s six NBA titles and dominant peak remain central to his case, while LeBron’s longevity, all-around production and sustained excellence across multiple teams strengthen his argument.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / April 14
Rockets' Rafael Stone has 'Regret' About Expectations Comment

Rockets' Rafael Stone has 'Regret' About Expectations Comment

The Houston Rockets’ 2025-26 regular season campaign ended in similar fashion as their 2024-25 one – with 52 wins and 30 losses. That finish was viewed as a success and indication that the Rockets were on the rise, due in large part, to their stockpile of young prospects.

Tari Eason News / Houston Rockets on SI / April 14
3 Reasons the Rockets can Beat the Lakers

3 Reasons the Rockets can Beat the Lakers

The Rockets are officially locked into a first-round series with the Lakers, which tips off on Saturday, April 18. It’s been a rollercoaster season for Houston, but they’re now primed for a postseason run with a beatable LA team standing in the way.

NBA News / NBA on ClutchPoints / April 14
Kendrick Perkins is done with GOAT convo if LeBron’s Lakers beats Kevin Durant, Rockets

Kendrick Perkins is done with GOAT convo if LeBron’s Lakers beats Kevin Durant, Rockets

As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for a high-stakes 2026 NBA playoff opener, one poundit has shifted the spotlight from X’s and O’s to legacy-defining stakes.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / April 14
Where do the Rockets Rank in the NBA's West Playoff Power Rankings?

Where do the Rockets Rank in the NBA's West Playoff Power Rankings?

After an extremely entertaining regular season, the NBA postseason is finally here. Sunday's final full slate of games sealed the playoff seeding, with the Play-In Tournament starting Tuesday.

NBA News / Houston Rockets on SI / April 14
Are The Rockets Better Suited Now to Handle the Lakers Defense?

Are The Rockets Better Suited Now to Handle the Lakers Defense?

The NBA Playoffs have now arrived for the Houston Rockets, who will take on the Los Angeles Lakers in a first-round series. The Rockets are the five seed

NBA News / Yardbarker / April 13
Four NBA coaches with their jobs on the line in the playoffs

Four NBA coaches with their jobs on the line in the playoffs

Twenty teams survived the NBA regular season to reach the playoffs or play-in tournaments. That doesn't mean their coaches have job security.

Doc Rivers shares emotional statement after leaving the Bucks
Lakers get crucial Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves injury updates ahead of playoffs
Magic close regular season with a thud against Celtics backups
Pistons end regular season on historic note with win over Pacers
The 'NBA players to record 40+ point games' quiz 
NBA News / Yardbarker / April 14
At 37, Rockets superstar Kevin Durant still belongs on All-NBA first team

At 37, Rockets superstar Kevin Durant still belongs on All-NBA first team

At 37, Kevin Durant continues to defy time. In his first season with the Houston Rockets, the veteran forward delivered another elite campaign, proving he remains one of the most unstoppable scorers in NBA history.

Magic close regular season with a thud against Celtics backups
Four NBA coaches with their jobs on the line in the playoffs
Lakers get crucial Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves injury updates ahead of playoffs
The 'Triple-Double & 5 steal NBA games' quiz
Kevin Durant News / NBA on ClutchPoints / April 13
Watch Rockets’ Kevin Durant get absolutely hyped after fan drains $10k shot

Watch Rockets’ Kevin Durant get absolutely hyped after fan drains $10k shot

The Houston Rockets have had a steady year, and they’ll be entering the playoffs as the No. 5 seed facing the Los Angeles Lakers. Kevin Durant has been the engine of the team this season, and they’ll be looking upon him to lead them through the playoffs.

Clint Capela News / Larry Brown Sports / April 13
Clint Capela had a great story about a career first against the Grizzlies

Clint Capela had a great story about a career first against the Grizzlies

Clint Capela has been in the NBA since 2014, but it wasn’t until Sunday that he finally made a shot from behind the arc. With the Rockets resting Kevin

Houston Rockets News / Field Level Media / April 12
Rockets rest starters, rout short-handed Grizzlies

Rockets rest starters, rout short-handed Grizzlies

Clint Capela produced a double-double in his third start of the season while Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard combined for 39 points as the host Houston Rockets closed the regular season with a 132-101 victory over the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.

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