Sports

Final Injury Report for Lakers-Rockets Game 6: Will Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic Play?

The Houston Rockets are at home on Friday night as they host the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series.

Houston enters Friday's game trailing 2-3 in the series after defeating Los Angeles on the road in Game 5 on Wednesday night.

 Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

In Wednesday's victory over the Lakers, Jabari Smith Jr. led the way for the Rockets as he recorded 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists while Tari Eason added 18 points and five rebounds of his own.

Now Houston will try to grab another victory in Game 6 on Friday night to keep their season alive and force Game 7 back in Los Angeles.

On the other side, Los Angeles enters Friday's contest with a 3-2 series lead after losing at home to the Rockets on Wednesday night in Game 5.

 Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) William Liang-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) William Liang-Imagn Images William Liang-Imagn Images

LeBron James led the way for the Lakers in Wednesday's loss as he ended the game with 25 points, three rebounds and seven assists while Austin Reaves recorded 22 points, four rebounds and six assists off the bench.

While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Game 6 on Friday night, both squads may be without one of their star players due to injury.

Lakers Injury Report: Will Luka Doncic Play?

For the Lakers, they have only one player listed on their injury report as they have ruled out star guard Luka Doncic.

 Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77). William Liang-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77). William Liang-Imagn Images William Liang-Imagn Images

Los Angeles has ruled out Doncic due to a left hamstring strain that has kept him out to being the postseason and he is expected to miss the remainder of the first round and potentially the beginning of the second round if the Lakers are able to advance.

With Doncic still sidelined, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard could both continue to have increased roles while the Lakers will likely continue to rely on James and Reaves to carry the load offensively.

Rockets Injury Report: Will Kevin Durant Play?

On the other side, the Rockets have three players listed on their injury report, including star forward Kevin Durant.

 Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Houton has listed Durant as doubtful due to a left ankle sprain and bone bruise as he is expected to miss his fourth consecutive contest and fifth game of the series.

With Durant expected to be sidelined once again, Eason and Reed Sheppard will likely both continue to have larger roles.

 Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5). © Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5). © Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images © Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Rockets have ruled out Fred VanVleet due to a torn ACL while Steven Adams will miss the remainder of the season while recovering from ankle surgery.

Fans can catch Game 6 of the first-round series between the Lakers and Rockets from Houston on Friday night at 9:30 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video.

Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 5:30 PM.

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