The Houston Rockets have been on a remarkable winning streak, climbing back to .500 with eight consecutive victories. They are now just 1.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors for the final spot in the play-in tournament. After a tough start to March and losing star center Alperen Sengun to injury, there were questions about whether the team should focus on securing a top four draft pick. However, the Rockets have defied expectations and controlled their own destiny in the playoff race.
The upcoming schedule will be challenging for Houston, with games against tough teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Utah Jazz. Despite these matchups, the Rockets have shown resilience and determination in their recent stretch of games. The team has made strategic lineup changes, such as inserting rookie point guard Amen Thompson into the starting lineup as a center on offense, which has contributed to their improved performance on both ends of the court.
The Rockets’ defensive and offensive ratings have drastically improved since Sengun’s injury, with their offense now ranked second in the league. Jalen Green, who recently won Western Conference Player of the Week honors, has been a standout player during this stretch. The team’s success raises important questions about how to best utilize the talents of Sengun, Thompson, and Green together, especially considering the shooting limitations of the former two players.
Looking ahead, Houston has a lot to consider, as they navigate the final stretch of the season and aim to secure a spot in the play-in tournament. As the team prepares for the offseason, they will need to strategize for the next phase of their rebuild, ensuring they continue to develop their young talent and build a competitive roster for the future. With Sengun and Green eligible for contract extensions this summer, the Rockets have the opportunity to shape their roster for long-term success. The team’s recent success has shown that they are capable of exceeding expectations and competing with some of the top teams in the league.
