The stage is set for a heavyweight playoff clash, but the experts are leaning heavily in one direction. Despite holding home-court advantage, the injury-plagued Los Angeles Lakers are facing a steep uphill battle against the Houston Rockets, according to ESPN's panel.

With star scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves likely out for Game 1, the Lakers' resilience will be tested. This has shifted the narrative, making the Rockets not just betting favorites but the overwhelming pick to advance. A staggering 11 out of 12 ESPN NBA analysts are predicting a Houston series victory, with most seeing it wrapped up in five or six games.

The series kicks off Saturday night in Los Angeles, featuring a marquee matchup between All-Star forwards Kevin Durant and LeBron James. While the Lakers won the regular-season series 2-1, the current circumstances have clearly swayed expert opinion toward Houston's depth and health as the decisive factors in this first-round showdown.