Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview

Apr 17, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Greg Smith (4) dives for the ball as Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Blake (5) watches at the Staples Center. The Lakers defeated the Rockets 99-95 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

A look at the Houston Rockets matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night as the second half gets under way.

Bitter-Sweet Homecoming

All the attention will be on Dwight Howard as he makes his return to the Staples Center to face the Lakers for the first time since leaving them last summer. Plenty of boos should be directed towards him from fans, with the mixture of Howard’s performance last season, to the fact that he left, to the poor season that the Lakers are having as an effect to his departure.

The Rockets’ current winning streak, while the Lakers have dropped 7 straight at home.

Combined points for James Harden and Howard in the previous matchup, a 113-99 Rockets win on Jan. 8. Harden went for 38 points, 5 steals, and 4 assists, while Howard finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds. The Lakers will have a tougher time stopping the duo this time around with their injury situation: Pau Gasol is questionable to play, Jordan Farmer and Steve Nash both are listed as doubtful, while Kobe Bryant, Nick Young, and Jodie Meeks are all out.

Tip: 9:30 PM CT

TV: ESPN