The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the red-hot Houston Rockets on Monday night in a high-stakes Western Conference matchup. Despite a shaky stretch in which they've won just two of their last six games, the Lakers (45-29) still sit fourth in the West-just 3.5 games behind the Rockets with eight games left to play.
Meanwhile, Houston has skyrocketed to second place with a 49-26 record, entering Monday night's game on an three-game winning streak. Their latest triumph came in a dominant 148-109 road victory over the Phoenix Suns, led by Jalen Green's 33-point performance-his fourth 30-point game in March and second in his last three outings.
Ahead of Monday's showdown, the NBA named Jalen Green the Western Conference Player of the Week, recognizing his elite performances from March 24 to March 30. During that stretch, the 23-year-old guard averaged 28.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, leading the Rockets to a perfect 3-0 record.
This marks Green's second Player of the Week award this season, with his first coming in January.
NBA Players of the Week for Week 23.
West: Jalen Green (@HoustonRockets)
East: Paolo Banchero (@OrlandoMagic) pic.twitter.com/TtqVJtiuwB
— NBA (@NBA) March 31, 2025
The Rockets have taken a major leap under head coach Ime Udoka, positioning themselves as a legitimate playoff contender. Aside from Green, the team has also enjoyed stellar contributions from starters Alperen Shengun, Amen Thompson, Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, with the likes of Jabari Smith Jr. and Cam Whitmore also playing great off the bench.
They'll look to extend their winning streak when they visit Crypto.com Arena. This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season-Houston won the first matchup 119-115. The Lakers will aim to even the series before their next clash in April.
Related: Update on Dillon Brooks NBA Punishment News Before Lakers Game
Related: Austin Reaves Sends Message After JJ Redick's Big Decision
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 6:08 PM.