Rockets vs. Clippers 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online

The Rockets avoided elimination by blowing out the Clippers at home in Game 5. But to force the series back to Houston for a Game 7 they will need to prove that wasn't an outlier performance by winning in Los Angeles. If they accomplish that, the pressure will be on the Clippers in the deciding game, as they would have squandered two opportunities to punch their ticket. This is a must-win for both teams.

While Blake Griffin and Chris Paul did their part, the role players failed the Clippers in Game 5 and that proved to be their undoing. J.J. Redick and Matt Barnes combined to go 4-for-20 from the field while Trevor Ariza (22 points) and Jason Terry (seven assists) gave Houston a boost. The battle of the benches also belonged to the Rockets and the result was a blowout win.

While the supporting casts will surely play a big part on Thursday, the stars need to make their presence felt. James Harden has not yet had a signature moment in the series, and a strong showing in Los Angeles will quiet the critics while giving Houston a chance against a Clippers squad that will come out looking for blood. Dwight Howard needs to have another good performance on the defensive end for the Rockets to string together enough stops against such a high octane offense.