Rockets Favored to Push Lakers to Game 7
The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Houston for Game 6 of their first-round NBA playoff series against the Rockets, holding a 3-2 lead. A victory clinches the series for the Lakers; a defeat sends it to a decisive Game 7. The Rockets enter as favorites after the Lakers faltered in Game 5 at home despite building a large early lead.
Austin Reaves returned for the Lakers in Game 5 but shot inefficiently in his second game back from injury. The Lakers rank older by average minutes played, relying on veterans while the Rockets' youth-average age of 27.8, 11th in the NBA-has fueled recent momentum. Houston lacks Kevin Durant due to injury but plays with less pressure after staving off elimination.
In Game 3, Lakers experience overcame a six-point deficit to force overtime and secure a win. The Rockets have outperformed in the last three games overall, leaning on defense and smart shot selection. Their average age by minutes played trails the Lakers'.
A Game 7 loss would mark the Lakers as the first NBA team to squander a 3-0 series lead. The winner advances in the 2026 playoffs.
