Overview
- Game 6, which tips at 9:30 p.m. ET Friday on Prime Video in Houston, gives Los Angeles a chance to close the first-round series.
- Houston forced the matchup by winning 99-93 in Los Angeles in Game 5 after trailing 3-0 in the best-of-seven.
- Kevin Durant is not expected to play because of a left ankle bone bruise, and Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams remain out for the season.
- The Rockets have leaned on defense and extra possessions, with Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. driving the push and forcing 15 Lakers turnovers in Game 5.
- A Rockets win would trigger a Game 7 and leave the Lakers trying to avoid becoming only the fifth NBA team to see a 3-0 lead reach that point.