The Lakers head to Houston for Game 6 looking to close out their series, but the Rockets' youth and defense make them the pick to force Game 7.

The Houston Rockets suffered a tough blow just a day before Game 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.

The Lakers still lead the series 3-2 but it feels like the Rockets have figured some things out, and gotten more confident.

For a minute, it seemed the Los Angeles Lakers would make unfortunate NBA playoff history. Teams that have possessed a 3-0 lead in the postseason boast a 100% win rate (159-0). The Lakers were uncomfortably close to becoming the first team to allow an opponent to overcome that significant series deficit,

The Houston Rockets couldn't get anything going on offense Friday night, falling to the Lakers at Toyota Center, 98-78 With the loss, Houston's season ends, losing the series to Los Angeles, 4-2. It's the second straight year the Rockets have been knocked out of the playoffs in the first round.

The Houston Rockets are brimming with confidence after avoiding elimination twice with consecutive wins to force Game 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs

The Houston Rockets try to force a Game 7 against the Los Angeles Lakers after losing the first three games of the NBA Western Confrence first-round series. Game 6 is at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Toyota Center.

The Rockets have won two straight, making their series against the Lakers interesting. Here's what to know for Game 6.