The Houston Rockets face the Los Angeles Lakers in an NBA Christmas Day Game on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025 (12/25/25) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif.

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However, teams nowadays can never have too much range. The Rockets aren't in the mix for a generational star like AJ Dybantsa (for obvious reasons), but they are projected to land his BYU teammate in Bleacher Report's latest NBA mock draft from Jonathan Wasserman.

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An obscure NBA rule, rarely enforced, abruptly disrupted the Rockets' rhythm, costing them possessions and momentum in a crucial clash.

The recent shortcomings have resulted in Houston dropping three spots in NBA.com's latest power rankings from John Schuhmann. The Rockets previously ranked third in the league, but have fallen to sixth, one spot above the Los Angeles Lakers and one under the San Antonio Spurs.

Veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith could make his Rockets debut today when Houston faces the Lakers. He’s listed as questionable to play, according to Real GM.

It's unclear if star guard Luka Doncic will be able to play when the Los Angeles Lakers play on Christmas Day. Doncic has been battling a calf contusi.