Josh Smith likely to start again for Rockets in Game 6

With the Houston Rockets again facing elimination, coach Kevin McHale appears to be going with what worked in Game 5.

McHale said Thursday he'll probably start Josh Smith again at power forward in Game 6 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Smith only started seven of 55 games after arriving in Houston following his release by the Detroit Pistons in December. However, McHale surprised many by giving him the start over Terrence Jones on Tuesday.

Smith responded with his best all-around game of the series so far, scoring nine points and grabbing seven rebounds as the Rockets staved off elimination with an impressive 124-103 win.

Jones meanwhile played 24 minutes (two more than Smith) off the bench, scoring 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting.