Lakers Open Playoffs with 107-98 Win Over Rockets as Nuggets and Cavaliers Also Victory

**TL;DR:** The Los Angeles Lakers opened the NBA playoffs with a 107-98 win over the Houston Rockets, while the Denver Nuggets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-105 and the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Toronto Raptors 126-113.

The NBA playoffs began on Saturday with four opening games across both conferences. The Lakers faced the Rockets in the West, the Nuggets met the Timberwolves, and the Cavaliers played the Raptors in the East.

LeBron James contributed 28 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists for Los Angeles. The Lakers used that production to defeat Houston 107-98.

Nikola Jokic recorded a triple‑double with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. Jamal Murray added 30 points as Denver beat Minnesota 116-105. A triple‑double means a player reaches double digits in three statistical categories, such as points, rebounds, and assists.

Darius Garland led Cleveland with 22 points and eight assists. The Cavaliers won 126-113 over Toronto.

The victory gives Los Angeles home‑court advantage in a series where defensive consistency will be key, especially as the team looks to limit second‑chance opportunities. Houston will need to improve its perimeter shooting to stay competitive.

Denver’s win shows it can rely on Jokic’s all‑around play and Murray’s scoring to overcome a physical opponent. Minnesota must find ways to limit Jokic’s impact in the paint and control the tempo.

Cleveland’s decisive win suggests it can impose its pace early in the series. Toronto will have to adjust its ball movement to counter the Cavaliers’ offense and protect the paint.

Early results often set the tone for adjustments in later games. Each visiting team now faces the challenge of stealing a road win to shift momentum and avoid falling into an early deficit.

Game two of each series will reveal whether the opening results hold or if the visitors can respond. Observers will watch for changes in defensive schemes, bench contributions, and whether any team can adjust its strategy to gain an edge.