Lakers vs Rockets is about to begin, starting at 9 p.m. Eastern / 6 p.m. PT today (Aug. 6) on TNT, AT&T SportsNet Southwest and Spectrum SportsNet Los Angeles.
Houston's seeding continues tonight with the Lakers vs Rockets live stream, and we've got a lot of injuries. In what was once their final game as expected underdogs, the Rockets might even claim this game from Los Angeles too, and set off for a series of matchups where they're favored (though they weren't expected to beat the Mavs or the Bucks either).
The Rockets' positive fortune comes at a price for Los Angeles, yes, LeBron James has been removed from the game to nurse his injured groin. And since the Lakers have already clinched the top seed in the west, it's unclear how the healthy LA players will take tonights game: as a proof of force or a chance to not push themselves too hard?
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This las led LA to lose their bookies odds as 2.5 point favorite, and becoming an underdog by the same margin. But will those numbers change now that the Rockets' Russell Westbrook is expected to sit out of tonight's game?
This is the final back-to-back game for the Lakers this season, and will give Anthony Davis and the rest of the team a chance to show up strong and demonstrate they're not lost without King James. That being said, Davis has a sprained right ankle and is still probable to play, while Morris, Caldwell-Pope and Howard are all probable despite injury, while Caruso's dealing with muscle spasms in his neck, and is marked as questionable.
What this all adds up to is a simple question: Can LA contain James Harden? Ancillary query: Can the Rockets put up enough points without Eric Gordon?
Here's everything you need to watch Lakers vs Rockets live stream tonight:
How to avoid Lakers vs Rockets blackouts with a VPN
If you've had to leave your own "bubble" -- or you've been hit by a dreaded local blackout -- and you can't watch Lakers vs Rockets live streams on cable, you're not out of luck. With a virtual private network, or VPN, you can appear to be surfing the web from your home town (or somewhere that blackouts won't hit), and access the same streaming services you already paid for.
Not sure which VPN is right for you? We've tested many different services and our pick for the best VPN overall is ExpressVPN. It offers superb speeds and excellent customer service. But you've got other VPN options as well. Here are our top picks.
Lakers vs Rockets live streams in the US
For U.S. viewers, the Lakers vs Rockets live stream will be broadcast on TNT as well as local affiliates AT&T SportsNet Southwest and Spectrum SportsNet Los Angeles. The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET today (Aug 6).
Basketball fans should also considering getting the NBA League Pass; packages start at $20 per year but you'll need to spend $29 per year for access to all teams — minus local and national blackout games.
If you've cut the cord and you're looking for an all-encompassing streaming option, TNT is available on Sling TV, one of the best streaming services around. While TNT is in both of the $30 per month Sling Blue and Orange packages, each has certain channels hoops fans will want.
The $45 per month Sling Blue + Orange package may be their best best for a comprehensive streaming situation. TNT is also included with Fubo TV, which appears to also have AT&T SportsNet Southwest (but confirm with your zip code before subscribing).
Lakers vs Rockets live streams in the UK
British hoop fans can watch the Lakers vs Rockets live stream on Sky Sports. Those without Sky Sports can pick it up from Now TV, with prices starting at £9.99.
NBA League Pass is also available in the U.K., at £42.99 for the rest of the year and serves up all of the games with no blackouts.
Lakers vs Rockets live streams in Canada
Canada will watch Lakers vs Rockets on TSN, which is available via cable packages as well as online as a standalone purchase for streaming. Specifically, Lakers vs Rockets airs on TSN2.
NBA League Pass is also available in Canada.
