ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Lakers 4/18/2026 (Playoffs Round 1, Game 1)

With the Lakers health, advancing should be a given. Do it in 5 or less -- not because a longer series risks losing, but a longer series means 1) we slacked off or 2) this group is nowhere near contention for this year (or future) for whatever reason.

 

There will be at least one 4th quarter choke job that will infuriate all of us, but I think we win this series.

If we don't, I think Udoka gets fired.

 

I think that's pretty standard in the first round when there are a lot of teams and a lot of games

 

With their injuries, no excuse not to sweep these fools.

Will be at game 3 section 102.

Go Rockets!!!!

 

4 of the 8 series have games 4 and 5 at the exact same time as the Rockets/LAL, and two come after. There is no conspiracy or help to the Lakers (I know you were saying the same ... just providing data to support).

 

take that for data!

 

I'm going to answer my own question.

Spurs vs Blazers
Gm 1 - 4/19
Gm 2 - 4/21 +2
Gm 3 - 4/24 +3
Gm 4 - 4/26 +2
Gm 5 - 4/28 +2
Gm 6 - 4/30 +2
Gm 7 - 5/2 +2
TOTAL === 13 DAYS

Nuggets vs Wolves
Gm 1 - 4/18
Gm 2 - 4/20 +2
Gm 3 - 4/23 +3
Gm 4 - 4/25 +2
Gm 5 - 4/27 +2
Gm 6 - 4/30 +3
Gm 7 - 5/2 +2
TOTAL === 14 DAYS

Nuggets vs Wolves
Gm 1 - 4/18
Gm 2 - 4/21 +3
Gm 3 - 4/24 +3
Gm 4 - 4/26 +2
Gm 5 - 4/29 +3
Gm 6 - 5/1. +2
Gm 7 - 5/3 +2
TOTAL === 15 DAYS

 

I would imagine arena availability would also affect scheduling in addition to Adam Silver's blatant favoritism toward certain teams

 

This has become normal, the NBA playoffs are stretched way the eff out. It just goes on and on and on.

I wish the play-in would go away, and the first round goes back to a best of 5 instead of 7.

 

Everyone needs to go if they lose this series against a hobbled Lakers team.

 

Fakerfanported

 

fakerfanported

 

shhhported

 

We should win in five games, max...with Luka and Reaves out. But, it'll likely go six due to Ime/Lakers Rules.

 

would make it more exciting for sure, although keeping the play in is fun because the NBA needs more single elimination games

 

The Rockets need to get this one. Don't give the Lakers any hope and don't play from behind.

 

We have to sweep these guys.