Dec. 25, 2025, 12:40 p.m. CT

The Houston Rockets will make the trip to Southern California’s Crypto Dot Com Arena to take on their Western Conference rival Los Angeles Lakers for one of several high-profile tilts happening on Christmas Day around the NBA today. The injury status of several key players on both ball clubs could significantly impact the outcome of the contest, but this should be a fun game regardless.

We think the Rockets have their work cut out for them if the Lakers’ biggest star can play, but if he can’t, this contest could go either way — and keep an eye on Houston’s health as well (more on that shortly).

Records, standing, and streaks

At present, the Rockets have a 17-10 record, which puts them in the Western Conference standings’ sixth-place slot.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives past Aaron Holiday #0 of the Houston Rockets during the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena on April 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

The Lakers are the owners of a 19-9 record, good enough for fourth place in the West.

Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!What happened in the last game for each team?

Houston lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 128-108 on the road.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 11: Aaron Holiday #0 of the Houston Rockets celebrates a three-point basket during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on April 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Los Angeles lost to the Phoenix Suns 132-108, also on the road.

Injuries

For Houston, Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle), Jae’Sean Tate (wrist), and Alperun Sengun (calf) are questionable, and Fred VanVleet (ACL) is out.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 11: Jeff Green #32 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena on April 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

For the Lakers, Gabe Vincent (back) is out, Jaxson Hayes (ankle) and Luka Doncic (leg) are questionable, and Rui Hachimura (groin) is probable.

Probable starting lineups – HoustonAmen ThompsonKevin DurantJosh OkogieJabari Smith Jr.Alperun SengunHOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Toyota Center on January 05, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)Probable starting lineups – L.A.Marcus SmartNick Smith Jr.Jake LaRaviaLeBron JamesDeandre AytonHere’s when you should tune in to see the game:Date: 12/25Time: 9700 p.m. CTTV Channel: NBC, Space City Home NetworkLive Stream: Fubo (watch for free)