The Houston Rockets Try to Keep The Kobe-less Los Angeles Lakers Out of The Playoffs

The Houston Rockets will travel to Los Angeles to try and thwart the Kobe-less Lakers playoff plans, despite having already locked up their own spot in the playoffs.  Houston will try to continue their success they've had this year against Los Angeles as they've posted a 4-1 record against them this season.

Much is still on the line tonight due to the fact that if the Lakers win, it would drop the Rockets into the eighth seed instead of the seventh. If the Rockets become the eighth seed, they would match-up with the young Oklahoma City Thunder instead of the old and injury ridden Spurs.  The Lakers have much to play for as well considering they have to win tonight to even make the playoffs and they will have to do so without Kobe Bryant (ruptured Achille's tendon) and Steve Nash (discomfort in hip/lower back).

Tonight's game will also provide NBA fans a chance to see what a Dwight Howard-led Laker team looks like.  Game time is set to start at 8:30 pm from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.