By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following Tuesday’s team practice, Houston Rockets starting center Alperen Sengun addressed the mindset of his squad as they prepare for a pivotal Game 5 in their best-of-seven series against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google. Despite facing a 3-1 deficit, the 23-year-old Giresun native expressed a defiant outlook on the challenge ahead in Los Angeles.
“The mood is good. We got one, but we’re not happy with it. We’re going back to LA to fight again, no matter what,” he said regarding the team’s approach. Reflecting on the execution that led to the current series standing and their recent victory, he added, “I think we have been confident, just missing the shots. In the last game, we played with pace. We made them turn over a lot. Everybody did their job great. I think everybody is still hungry, and we are going over there to get another one, and come back home, and make them a little nervous.”
The Rockets’ attempt to force a Game 6 will be hampered by Kevin Durant being officially ruled out for Wednesday’s contest at crypto.com Arena. The 37-year-old forward has appeared in only one game this series as he continues to struggle with a left ankle sprain and bone bruise. Houston also remains without Steven Adams, who is recovering from left ankle surgery, and Fred VanVleet, who is sidelined following a right knee ACL repair.
The Lakers face their own injury hurdles, as Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic remains out with a left hamstring strain. However, head coach JJ Redick is expected to see the return of Austin Reaves, who has been dealing with a left oblique muscle strain.
If the Rockets prevail on Wednesday, the series will return to the Toyota Center for Game 6 on Friday.
The eventual winner will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 1-3 (101-112, 98-83, 105-113, 88-94)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 2-2 (126-113, 115-105, 104-126, 89-93)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 2-2 (113-102, 106-107, 108-109, 114-98)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 3-1 (123-91, 97-111, 108-100, 128-96)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 4-0 (119-84, 120-107, 121-109, 131-122)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 3-1 (107-98, 101-94, 112-108, 96-115)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 2-3 (126-115, 114-119, 96-113, 96-112, 125-113)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 3-1 (111-98, 103-106, 120-108, 114-93)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder – Winner 2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions