Houston Rockets: A Surprising Contender in the Western Conference
As the Houston Rockets continue to defy expectations this season, their impressive 26-12 record has them comfortably positioned as the second seed in the Western Conference. This young team has shown remarkable resilience, overcoming injuries to key players like Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr., and navigating slumps from others such as Jalen Green. Despite these challenges, the Rockets have emerged as a formidable force, boasting one of the best defenses in the NBA and a top 10 offense.
The question on everyone’s mind is how far this team can go in the postseason. Initially, making it to the first round seemed like a significant achievement. However, with their current standing, the Rockets are poised to be a second-round contender, potentially even making a surprise run to the Western Conference Finals. Their style of play, combined with their defensive strength and recent offensive improvements, makes them a tough matchup for many teams in the conference.
Playoff Matchups and Potential Trades
When considering potential playoff matchups, the Rockets appear to have favorable odds against several teams. They match up well against the Memphis Grizzlies and even the Denver Nuggets, despite the latter’s playoff experience and star power. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, pose a significant challenge. The Thunder’s depth and pace make them a formidable opponent, and their full potential is yet to be seen as Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein have yet to share the court this season.
As the trade deadline approaches, the question of whether a midseason trade makes sense for the Rockets arises. Given their current performance, it might be wise to maintain the status quo. The team has shown that they can compete at a high level, and disrupting the chemistry with a major trade could be risky. However, if the opportunity to acquire a star player presents itself, the Rockets would likely need to consider parting with a key asset like Jalen Green to make it happen.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Houston Rockets playoff prospects and trade possibilities, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
- Best and worst playoff matchups for the Rockets
- Cap logistics of signing or trading for a star player
- Does a midseason trade make sense for the current Rockets squad?
