LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets Starting Lineups and Injury Reports Tonight (May 1) | Game 6, 2026 NBA Playoffs

The LA Lakers and Houston Rockets resume their 2026 NBA playoffs first-round series in Friday’s Game 6 at Toyota Center. It’s been a roller coaster of a series with Houston starting as the overwhelming favorite but then falling to a 0-3 deficit that no team has overturned. The Rockets have won two games since and the shorthanded Lakers have looked shaky.

With the series heading back to Houston, there’s every chance this could turn into a seven-game series. However, the Lakers will be eager to shut that door by taking inspiration from their improbable Game 3 win in which they overturned a six-point deficit in the final 40 seconds of regulation.

It won’t be as easy, though. The Rockets’ young core has shown more maturity and composure since that game. They are playing better with their backs against the wall and the Lakers haven’t been able to match their physicality and execution throughout 48 minutes.

With a short turnaround after Game 5, the Lakers might struggle with the intensity as seen in Game 4, which the Rockets won 115-96, the largest margin of victory for either team this series.

LA Lakers vs. Houston Rockets Starting Lineups and Injury Reports Tonight For Game 6

The Lakers enter this contest with Luka Doncic as the only player on the injury report. He remains out due to a left hamstring strain. Doncic hasn’t played this series and will remain out even if Houston forces a Game 7.

Meanwhile, the Rockets have the same injury report as in the past three games, barring a minor upgrade on Kevin Durant’s status. The star forward is listed as doubtful due to a left ankle sprain. Durant was ruled out for Games 4 and 5. Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams will be the other two players.

VanVleet has been out since the start of the season after tearing his ACL in September. Adams played 32 games before an ankle surgery ruled him out for the season as well.
The Lakers could tweak their starting lineup for Game 6, bringing back Austin Reaves to replace Luke Kennard at point guard. Marcus Smart will remain the shooting guard, while LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton will complete the frontcourt.

Here’s the LA Lakers’ depth chart:

On the other hand, the Rockets will likely retain their starters from Game 5. Reed Sheppard will be the point guard alongside Amen Thompson in the backcourt. Tari Eason will be the small forward, Jabari Smith Jr. will be the power forward and Alperen Sengun will start at center.

Here’s the Houston Rockets’ depth chart: