Lakers vs. Rockets – Game 6 NBA Playoffs – predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for May 1

The Rockets take the court tonight in Houston for Game 6 of their series against LeBron James and the Lakers again minus Kevin Durant …and are favored to force a Game 7 after impressive back-to-back-wins without their Hall of Fame teammate. The Lakers enter Game 6 still ahead 3–2, but the tone of the series has shifted dramatically after those back‑to‑back losses. Despite LeBron James’ 25 points in Game 5, Los Angeles’ offense has sputtered, failing to reach 100 points in the last two contests.

Austin Reaves did return for LA from an oblique injury in Game 5, but Luka Dončić (hamstring) remains out. Reaves played 34 minutes and scored 22 points, but it was not enough to finish off the Rockets. Houston, meanwhile, has completely flipped the energy of the series.

After losing the first three games, the Rockets have stormed back, winning Games 4 and 5 without Durant but with physical defense and balanced scoring. Jabari Smith Jr. led the way offensively with 22 points, while Tari Eason and Alperen Şengün added 18 and 14, respectively.

The Rockets were outrebounded 41-34 in Game 5 but defensively held the Lakers to 42% shooting from the field and just 26% (7-27) from deep. Ultimately, Game 6 will hinge on composure and execution. The Rockets have momentum, home‑court advantage, and a sudden belief that they can complete an historic comeback.