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Houston Rockets Postseason Run? Best & Worst Playoff Matchups? Jalen Green Turning The Corner?
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?
Have potential contenders figured out the Celtics?
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) fouls Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half at TD Garden. | Paul Rutherford/Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
It’s always risky, doubting the Celtics. Not for Celtics fans, but for the rest of us. On Friday night, at home, Boston fans booed their team as they let the Kings take an uncontested rebound and take (then make) the same 3-point attempt. The Celtics lost, recording their 11th of the season. That’s only four games more than this time last year.
Going back, Boston recorded most of their losses last season in the winter stretch leading up to All-Star Weekend, the same stretch they’re in now. I would chalk a lot of those losses up to fatigue and deft competition who could sense the Celtics easing up on the gas, if briefly. The Nuggets, Bucks, Cavaliers and (then) white hot Pacers took advantage of those minor slumps. The losses now, though coming this season within the same stretch with the same fatigue taking a portion of the toll, have to do more with opponents figuring out how the Celtics tick.
This season, the Celtics are a known quality. Their brand of basketball last year overwhelmed the majority of their opponents, teams not built to withstand a barrage of incessant 3-point shooting backed by a quick and smothering defence without a moment to recalibrate or catch their breath. Most teams spent entire games, and all their energy, trying to chase Boston off the line. This season the Celtics have slipped to a 7th overall (from 3rd) defensive rating, and are currently 3rd overall (from 1st) in offence — teams have figured them out.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Houston Rockets’ rookie Amen Thompson is turning heads with his potential. Experts believe Thompson has the skills and talent to become a future superstar in the NBA. (Sports Illustrated)
Trade As the 2025 NBA trade deadline approaches, who’s untouchable on the Rockets? (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Rockets head to Denver to take on the Nuggets tonight at 9:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Trades Here’s the latest on the NBA trade deadline and rumblings around the league. (The Athletic)
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