Los Angeles Lakers, playing at home, are expected to implement a slow-paced, defensive strategy, focusing on protecting the paint. Their offense will revolve around LeBron James's playmaking, utilising high-post pick-and-rolls to create opportunities for interior finishes and open three-point shots. Defensively, the Lakers will shrink their defensive lines to protect the restricted area, aiming to limit the Houston Rockets' scoring inside. They'll also put pressure on the Rockets' backcourt, trying to force turnovers and slow the game down to mitigate any offensive disadvantages due to player absences. The Lakers will aim to control the game's rhythm through patient passing in a half-court setting. On the road, the Houston Rockets will rely on their defensive toughness, with individual scoring as a secondary approach. Facing the Lakers' slow style, they'll shrink their defence to restrict the Lakers' inside scoring, focusing on defending against James' drives and passes, forcing the Lakers into less efficient isolation plays. Offensively, if Alperen Şengün plays, the Rockets will utilise his mid-range shooting and inside playmaking, which could stretch the Lakers' defence. If he's unavailable, they'll shift to an outside-oriented attack, relying on three-point shooting and fast breaks to score. The Rockets will also attempt to minimise turnovers, hoping to use fast breaks effectively to counter the physical and tempo challenges of playing away from home.