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Lakers Nation > Blog > Featured > Rockets Vs. Lakers Western Conference Semifinals Schedule, Preview & TV Info
FeaturedLakers News

Rockets Vs. Lakers Western Conference Semifinals Schedule, Preview & TV Info

Ron Gutterman
Published: 09/02/2020
4 Min Read
Anthony Davis, James Harden, Kyle Kuzma
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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After a rocky start to the 2020 NBA Playoffs — losing Game 1 of the first round to the Portland Trail Blazers — the Los Angeles Lakers turned it around and dominated the rest of the way, leading to a 4-1 series win.

Now, they will have a more difficult challenge in store for them for the Western Conference Semifinals as they face the Houston Rockets.

Despite immense struggles during the eight seeding games, the Lakers very quickly found their way against the Trail Blazers. They took advantage of an undermanned and truly outmatched team, leading to some big wins.

In five games, the Lakers held a dangerous offense that averaged 115.0 points per game during the regular season to just 106.6. They also had a net rating for the series of 10.4, ranking third among all first round teams.

Only the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics — who swept their opponents — ranked higher.

L.A. must now turn their attention to the small-ball stylings of the Rockets, who completely re-defined the five positions this season by trading away most of their big man. They instead opted for PJ Tucker at center, an experiment that has led to surprising success so far.

Although they were challenged in the first round by the Thunder, they were able to get past them and will now pose a unique challenge for the post-heavy Lakers.

With the Lakers eliminating Portland much earlier than the conclusion of the Rockets-Thunder series, L.A. has had plenty of rest before beginning what will undoubtedly be a challenging series.

Game 1 of the best-of-seven matchup is Friday, and follows the pattern of the bubble with games played every other day.

The Lakers found success in their game plan against Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. However, James Harden and Westbrook are a completely different beast, and perimeter defense will be more important than ever.

Perhaps a reduction in minutes for JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard – as well as the re-introduction of Rajon Rondo into the rotation – will be among the required adjustments. However it unfolds, head coach Frank Vogel is confident in the Lakers’ ability to play small if necessary.

Rockets vs. Lakers schedule and TV Info for first round

Friday, Sep. 4: Game 1, Lakers vs. Rockets, 6 p.m., ESPN

Sunday, Sep. 6: Game 2, Lakers vs. Rockets, 5:30 p.m., ABC

Tuesday, Sep. 8: Game 3, Lakers @ Rockets, 6 p.m., TNT

Thursday, Sep. 10: Game 4, Lakers @ Rockets, TBD, TNT

Saturday, Sep. 12*: Game 5, Lakers vs. Rockets, TBD, ESPN

Monday, Sep. 14*: Game 6, Lakers @ Rockets, TBD, TNT

Wednesday, Sep. 16*: Game 7, Lakers vs. Rockets, TBD, TNT

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TAGGED:2020 NBA PlayoffsHouston RocketsLos Angeles Lakers
ByRon Gutterman
Ron Gutterman is a Washington State University alum from Anaheim, California, and is currently a Staff Writer for LakersNation.com, RamsNewsWire.com, and RaidersNewsWire.com. He is also the lead editor for AngelsNation.com. With Lakers Nation, Rams News Wire, Raiders News Wire, and Angels Nation, Ron assists in news, game coverage, analysis, and hot takes via his Twitter account, @rongutterman24. Without a doubt, Ron's favorite Laker, and favorite athlete of all time, is Kobe Bryant. Ron began watching basketball when he was 6 years old, in 2005, when Bryant was dragging the likes of Smush Parker and Ronny Turiaf to playoff spots. Ron's all time favorite Lakers moment was Bryant's final game when he dropped 60 points. While the Lakers beating the Celtics in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, as Metta World Peace hit the game clinching three, will always be a top option, Bryant's final night takes the cake. Contact: ron@mediumlargela.com
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