History could be made by the Houston Rockets against the Los Angeles Lakers.
If the Rockets win their next two games, they’ll become the first team in NBA history to win a playoff series after being down 0-3. It’s a tall task, but it’s certainly possible.
Heading into Game 6, the Rockets have to keep their expectations in check. As exciting as the idea of beating the Lakers in historic fashion may be, they know they can’t get ahead of themselves.
Jabari Smith Jr. Makes Mindset Clear on Rockets-Lakers Series
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 28: Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets celebrates a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on April 28, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
“We’re not even thinking about Game 7 right now,” Smith told reporters.
“We’re thinking about Game 6, we’re thinking about tonight, we’re thinking about the things that we got to do to win. Put on a show for our fans, represent the city well. We’re not thinking about Game 7. We’ll think about it tonight, when we’ve got to pack our bags. We’re not worried about it now. We’re thinking about the task at hand.”
The Rockets Are Facing Major Pressure
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 07: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 07, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Going into the series against the Lakers, the Rockets had plenty of support in predictions.
With the Lakers missing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves at the start of the series, most expected a quick series in favor of the Rockets. Instead, the basketball world saw three straight stunning victories in favor of LA.
Lately, the Rockets have started to heat up, firing up two wins of their own, but they can’t get ahead of themselves. The Lakers got a key reinforcement in Austin Reaves. He was able to shake the rust in Game 5.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 29: Fred Vanvleet #5 and Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets look on prior to Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the Rockets will remain without their star forward, Kevin Durant. The veteran sharpshooter continues to deal with an ankle injury, which has taken him off the floor for what’s about to be the fourth game in a row.
Game 6 between the Lakers and the Rockets is set for a 9:30 PM ET tip.
If the Rockets win, the two teams will meet on Sunday, May 3. If the Lakers win, they’ll begin their second-round battle against the Oklahoma City Thunder next week.