In the NBA playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round. LeBron James scored 19 points and provided 13 assists, while Luke Kennard led the Lakers with 27 points, marking his season high. The Lakers played without key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves due to injuries. The Rockets, missing their leading scorer Kevin Durant, saw Alperen Sengun score 19 points. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-105, with Jamal Murray scoring a game-high 30 points. The New York Knicks also triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks 113-102, with Jalen Brunson leading with 28 points. The Cleveland Cavaliers won against the Toronto Raptors 126-113, with Donovan Mitchell scoring 32 points. Game 2 of the Cavaliers-Raptors series will take place on Monday in Cleveland.