Stakes are high for Rockets in return to Houston this weekend

Catch up quick: The best-of-seven series heads to the Toyota Center for games 3 and 4, with the Rockets having struggled offensively in Los Angeles.

• After dropping Game 2, head coach Ime Udoka told the Houston Chronicle the team was defending "well enough" but couldn't seem to score as well.
• "That's the bottom line through these two games," Udoka said.

Houston played without forward Kevin Durant in Game 1 after he suffered a knee injury during practice last week.

• The 16-time All-Star had a hobbled return in Game 2. He led the team with 23 points but scored only three of those in the second half and tied his playoff record of nine turnovers, per the Chronicle.

What they're saying: Kendrick Perkins, an ESPN analyst and former NBA player, said the Rockets were the "dumbest" and "most selfish" team competing for the championship this year based on their performance in the first two games.

• He said the problem might lie with Udoka, saying Lakers coach JJ Redick is "coaching circles around" him.

• "We can blame Kevin Durant for those nine turnovers, but we also can blame Ime Udoka for having Kevin Durant in that position knowing that they're going to send two people to him every single time," Perkins said.

Yes, but: Houston remains hopeful in bouncing back. They have a 66% chance of winning Game 3, per ESPN analytics.

What's next: Game 3 tips off at 7pm Friday on Prime Video.

• Game 4 is 8:30pm Sunday on NBC and Peacock.