The Houston Rockets are in a tough spot, despite facing a Los Angeles Lakers team that has missed Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Heading into the series, the Rockets were heavy favorites to win. Then, Kevin Durant was ruled out not long before Game 1 tipped off. Dealing with a sudden knee contusion, the Rockets weren’t prepared to roll without their superstar forward.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 10: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Toyota Center on April 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Therefore, Houston couldn’t overcome the challenge that LeBron James and the Lakers were bringing to the table. Kevin Durant could return to the court as early as Game 2, which takes place on Tuesday night.
While that would be a massive boost, the Rockets still aren’t guaranteed to put the Lakers away in this series. If they continue to struggle, the NBA analyst Bill Simmons claims that it should heat up Ime Udoka’s seat in Houston.
Bill Simmons Sounds Off On The Rockets
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 21: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts after passing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list during the game between the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 21, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
“The Rockets just doing exactly what you would think in this situation,” Simmons stated.
“Clogged toilet offense. Just inexplicable. I don’t know why they weren’t pressuring more. I didn’t really understand anything they did, I thought it was a worse Rockets loss than a better Lakers win. This would be a catastrophe for Houston, and I don’t even know how they would go into the summer if they lose this series when there’s no Luka and no Reaves. I know they lose KD right before, and it’s a little bit of a weird event, but they should still [win]. Come on.”
The Rockets dropped Game 1 on the road with a score of 107-98.
The Lakers’ sharpshooter Luke Kennard led the way with 27 points. He lit up Houston from three, going 5-5 from deep.
As for LeBron James, the 41-year-old checked in for 41 minutes. He accounted for 19 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 30: Houston Rockets Head Coach Ime Udoka poses for a portrait during Houston Rockets Media Day at Toyota Center on September 30, 2024 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Darren Carroll/Getty Images)
Ime Udoka Gains Pressure Before Game 2
“If you come out of this getting bounced round one to me, they’ve moved to the top of the panic playoff team list,” Simmons added. “I’m ready for a coach firing, I’m ready for a trade. They have some picks to move around. I’m ready for basically anything with them.”
Udoka joined the Rockets in 2023 after his one season with the Boston Celtics. Over three years with the Rockets, his team has won 58.9% of its games during the regular season.
The Rockets made the playoffs under Udoka for the first time in 2025. They were bounced in seven games, despite being the higher seed.
The Lakers and the Rockets are going to meet for Game 2 on Tuesday. The availability of Kevin Durant is up in the air.