The festive spirit in the NBA will be electric this year as the Los Angeles Lakers host the Houston Rockets in a marquee Western Conference showdown on Christmas Day, 2025. The game, scheduled at the Crypto.com Arena, is a nationally televised spectacle featuring two teams hungry to snap their respective two-game losing streaks. However, the pre-game buzz is less about seasonal hype and more centered on a critical question: which star players will actually be available to take the court?
Injury Report Casts Shadow Over Christmas Showdown
The availability of key personnel is the dominant storyline heading into this marquee matchup. For the Los Angeles Lakers, all eyes are on superstar Luka Doncic. His status remains uncertain after he suffered a lower left leg contusion against the LA Clippers and subsequently missed the game against the Phoenix Suns. Officially listed as questionable, there is a sense of optimism within the camp that he could play. His potential presence is monumental, given his staggering season averages of 34.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists.
The Lakers' injury list extends beyond Doncic. Forward Rui Hachimura is probable as he manages a right groin issue, while center Jaxson Hayes is questionable with left ankle soreness. The team's backcourt depth takes a hit with Gabe Vincent ruled out due to a lumbar back strain.
The Houston Rockets are navigating their own health crisis. Their offensive fulcrum, Alperen Sengun, is a major concern, listed as questionable with left calf tightness. In potential positive news, veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith could make his season debut as he recovers from a left ankle injury. Wing Jae’Sean Tate is also questionable with a left wrist contusion. The Rockets continue to miss the steadying influence of point guard Fred VanVleet, who is out long-term following right knee ACL surgery, placing increased offensive responsibility on Jalen Green and Amen Thompson.
How to Watch: Timings and Broadcast Details for Indian Fans
For basketball fans in India, the game presents an early morning tip-off. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET on December 25, which translates to 5:30 a.m. IST on Friday, December 26. The game will be broadcast live on ABC and ESPN in the United States. Indian viewers can catch the action via streaming services like fubo and NBA League Pass for out-of-market coverage. Radio listeners can tune in via SiriusXM NBA Radio or local team broadcasts.
Game Outlook and Betting Context
Despite the injury concerns, sportsbooks have installed the Houston Rockets as slight favorites, giving between 2.5 and 3 points. The total points line (over/under) is set around 229.5 to 230.5. However, history heavily favors the Lakers in this specific matchup. The Rockets have lost 12 consecutive night games played at the Lakers' arena, and Los Angeles has won eight straight home games against Houston overall.
The final outcome will likely hinge on the status of the injured stars. If Alperen Sengun plays, his interior scoring and playmaking will be crucial for Houston. For the Lakers, the dynamic changes completely if Luka Doncic can suit up alongside the ever-present LeBron James. Analysts project a tightly contested affair, with final scores expected in the 115-119 point range. Player performance props are also drawing significant interest as fans and analysts debate whether recent injury reports or long-standing home trends will ultimately decide this festive NBA battle.
