Lakers vs Rockets: Stars Out, Young Guns In

0:00Both the Lakers and Rockets are heading into their first round playoff game one on Saturday without their top stars, dealing with injuries that could, shake up the series. Houston's Kevin Durant sat out after bumping knees in practice, leaving him with a bruised right knee that sore and tender. Coach Aime Udoka called him questionable and hoped it would just be a one-game miss, even though Durant warmed up but didn't feel ready. The Lakers are hurting too, missing Luca Doncic, with a left hamstring issue. He got specialized treatment in Spain and flew back Friday, but he's. Out indefinitely along with Austin Reeves and his oblique strain. Coach JJ Redick said, Doncic's in good spirits and they're pumped to have him on the sideline. Rockets plan to slide Joshua Kogi into the starting lineup with Reed Shepherd, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and Alperen Tsingun. Udoka expects a quicker pace without Durant's isolation plays, letting those young guys push the ball and run.

1:00Lakers grab home court edge with three straight regular season wins to close, while Houston dominated nine of their last ten. This matchups got speed and grit, written all over it from the jump. I'm Corey with the story that's your California News today update, AI powered and always on.