I already did a huge Lakers vs. Rockets, NBA playoffs second-round series preview, so in lieu of a traditional game preview, here are a few quick things to watch for in this one.
Will Rajon Rondo return, and how many minutes will he get?
Rondo has missed almost the entire bubble for the Lakers after fracturing his thumb during their second practice in Orlando, necessitating surgery. He was cleared to return in the first round against the Trail Blazers, only to suffer back spasms and end up missing the rest of that series as well.