James Harden
Apr 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after the Rockets made a three point basket against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. USA Today Sports/Cary Edmondson

The Los Angeles Lakers (10-13) begin a one-game road trip Wednesday with a clash against the Houston Rockets (14-7) at the Toyota Center.

While the Rockets enter the game on a three-game winning streak, the depleted Lakers, who are without D'Angelo Russell (left knee), Nick Young (calf), Larry Nance Jr. (right knee) and Jose Calderon (right hamstring), have lost three games on the trot with the latest defeat against the Utah Jazz on Monday.

Besides the aforementioned three players, the Purple & Gold will also be without reserve centre Tarik Black who suffered an ankle sprain during the 107-101 home defeat to Jazz a few nights back. Due to the Lakers' long injury list, few give them a chance against the offensive juggernaut, i.e., the Rockets, who are averaging 111.1 points per game -- second only to top seed Golden State Warriors.

In the absence of Russell and Young, guard Lou Williams has emerged as the Lakers' top scorer and go-to man. The former Sixth Man of the Year has scored a whopping 78 points over his last two games and is averaging a career-high 18.4 points and 3.5 assists this season.

Williams realises that he has to carry the young Lakers. "Just continue to play, continue to work. It's still early in the season. We've hit a little turbulence right now and hit a little rough patch. We've got to have other guys step in and we've got to continue to compete," Williams said while addressing his team's injury woes, via ESPN.

Meanwhile, rookie Brandon Ingram, who drafted No.2 overall this year, is averaging 33.8 minutes over his last five games -- averaging 9.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists. While Ingram has struggled on the offensive end, shooting a low 34 percent from the field, he has impressed as a presence on defence. And coach Luke Walton is happy with the progress made by the former Duke standout.

"It's great for him (Ingram). It's absolutely great for him. To be able to call plays and bring the ball up and play from that position whether he struggles or has a good game, it's still great learning opportunities and experience for him," Walton said of Ingram, who started the previous game as a point guard due to the injuries to Calderon and Russell.

This will be the second of three Lakers vs Rockets fixtures this season. The Lakers truimphed over James Harden & Co. during opening night on Oct. 26.

After their visit to Houston, the Lakers return home to host the Phoenix Suns (Friday) and New York Knicks (Sunday) before taking off on a lengthy, seven-game road trip that stretches from Dec. 12 until Dec. 23.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets: Live streaming info and score updates

Watch the game live on NBA League Pass (globally), Time Warner Sports Net or Root Sports depending on your area in the United States. The game starts at 8 PM Eastern Standard Time (5 PM PT, 11.00 AM AEDT)