This is a hefty line for Alperen Sengun as he looks to avoid elimination in Game 5 tonight. DeAndre Ayton has been very good defensively and has made life difficult for Sengun. I expect that to once again be the case in a game that’s projected to be both low scoring and paced down.

FanDuel. With Austin Reaves back for the Lakers, the need for Amen Thompson to remain on the court (for defensive purposes) intensifies even more. Not that his minutes could get much higher, as he’s exceeded 40 in each game this series, but Reaves’ presence also softens the Lakers perimeter defense. Thompson has been incredibly aggressive this series, especially in the absence of Kevin Durant, averaging 13.5 drives over the last two games. Him and Alperen Sengun will serve as the catalysts tonight - I have Amen projected around 27 P+A.

With Kevin Durant sidelined again, Jabari Smith Jr. should see another 40 minutes of action. He's averaging 42 minutes in the series (albeit one game went to OT) and has taken at least 14 shots in each. The Rockets need offense without their scoring leader. Look for the 22-year-old Smith to stay aggressive in this must-win spot.

The Rockets got their one to avoid embarrassment via a sweep on their home court, but LA should finish this off at home on Wednesday in Game 5. I expect a huge game from LeBron James after maybe his worst-ever playoff outing in that Game 4 loss. And all signs point to Austin Reaves finally playing even though he's technically a game-time call. Last thing the Lakers need is a Game 6 back in Houston and a few more days on the court ahead of facing the Thunder in Round 2.