PREVIEW: The Houston Rockets return to Los Angeles on Tuesday looking to even their first-round series against the Lakers, who won Game 1 by a score of 107-98 at Crypto.com Arena. Houston's offensive execution fell flat without Kevin Durant, managing just 38 percent shooting from the field and 33 percent from three-point range. The Rockets rank first in post-up shot frequency and offensive rebounding at 31.4 percent, yet their 29th-ranked defense against rim attacks remains a concern. Durant is listed as questionable with a knee injury, though bookmakers have priced the Rockets as 4.5-point favorites, suggesting confidence in his availability. Los...

PREVIEW: The second-seeded Boston Celtics, who rank second in defensive three-point shooting and boast efficient transition play, face the seventh-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in Game 2 of their first-round matchup. After dominating Game 1 with a 123-91 victory, the Celtics showed their offensive firepower with Jayson Tatum contributing 25 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in his return to playoff action. Boston's spacing on offense ranks among the league's best at number two, yet they struggle defensively by allowing the most three-point attempts at 44.9 percent. The Celtics will look to maintain their home-court dominance, having won 30 games at TD...

PREVIEW: The San Antonio Spurs handled the Portland Trail Blazers at home in Game One on the back of a historic playoff debut from Victor Wembanyama. The French star finished with 35 points while knocking down five of his six 3-point attempts. Yet there were moments where it looked like the Blazers could make it an interesting game, including big runs in the third and fourth quarters that cut into the Spurs' lead. To slow down Deni Advija, who was one of the only Portland players to get into rhythm in Game One, scoring 30 points on 12 of 21...