Kevin Durant’s status remains doubtful for Friday’s Game 6 against the Lakers due to a left ankle bone bruise. With Durant absent since Game 2, Reed Sheppard is expected to start again, having contributed 12 points and six assists in Game 5. The Rockets will depend heavily on Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson to fill the void as they look to advance in the series.