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 thatтАЩs 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 heтАЩs exceeded 40 in each game this series, but ReavesтАЩ 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.
Doncic (hamstring) recently stated he is "100% healthy again," Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.
Knecht could receive a larger offensive opportunity following LeBron James' departure, as the Lakers have significant scoring to replace, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
LaRavia could see an expanded role following LeBron James' departure, though the Lakers' additions of Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Sandro Mamukelashvili should create added competition for frontcourt minute, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Vanderbilt should continue to provide defensive value after LeBron James' exit from the Lakers, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Phillips signed a training camp contract with the Rockets on Friday, Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot reports.
Tshiebwe agreed to a contract with the Rockets on Friday.
Tate agreed to a one-year, $3.07 million contract with the Rockets on Thursday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com reports.
The Rockets signed Tate to a contract Thursday, per Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610 Houston.
Kaluma agreed to a two-way deal with the Lakers on Monday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Thybulle agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Lakers on Monday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
