Inside The Rockets
Trenton Whiting

Trenton Whiting

Joined: Dec 2, 2024

Trenton is a Houston-born, Pearland-raised University of Houston graduate who first developed his love for journalism while in school. He began his professional career as a sports reporter for a newspaper in Columbus, Texas, before becoming the managing editor.

Feb 11, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (30) is defended b y Los Angeles Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhauser (14) in the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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The Rockets started the season looking like one of the league's best teams, but they have fallen off slightly since the new year and haven't reclaimed that early season success. Will they be able to return to that level of play before the season ends?

Trenton Whiting
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Nov 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) talks with guard Fred VanVleet (right) on the bench during the game against the Orlando Magic at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets seem to be banking their title hopes on the health of Fred VanVleet and Kevin Durant after this season. Some of the current players will be on the team after VanVleet, so the Rockets must find solutions without him.

Trenton Whiting
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Feb 11, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) drives to the net against Los Angeles Clippers center Brook Lopez (11) in the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets are finally getting some necessary rest to manage any injuries and get a mental reset as the year enters the final stretch. To reach where the team wants to go, Houston must reach a few checkpoint goals before the end of the season.

Trenton Whiting
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Feb 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Houston Rockets Head Coach Ime Udoka talks to Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during a time out against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets dropped their final game before the regular season after blowing a double-digit lead and performing poorly in the clutch. Some of the rotations used during the game indicate an unwillingness to adapt by Houston's coaching staff.

Trenton Whiting
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Feb 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets have the chance to climb the standings despite some pitfalls throughout the season. They'll be depending on each of their main rotation players to give themselves a chance at ending the season strong. Who will they lean on the most?

Trenton Whiting
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Feb 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets have just two games remaining before they get some time to rest for the All-Star Break, and they're looking for consecutive wins to bring some momentum into the break.

Trenton Whiting
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Feb 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder center/forward Chet Holmgren (7) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Many followers of the Houston Rockets are concerned the mounting injuries are causing the team to consider punting the season away. However, the Rockets still have a chance to play meaningful games and go on a run in the postseason.

Trenton Whiting
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Feb 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka talks with Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) against the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
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For years, the Houston Rockets suffered through losing seasons to create the version of the team that could compete at a high level. They then made a big trade to place the final piece for a title on the board. Years of work for a single, true chance.

Trenton Whiting
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Feb 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) drives with the ball as Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets' formula to victory includes toughness and aggressiveness on defense, elements they can control. Houston's formula for defeat are elements that are inconsistent or out of their control, making them susceptible to the league's best.

Trenton Whiting
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Feb 2, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) holds the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets have returned to their winning ways, losing just three times in their last 12 tries. However, navigating injuries has been a major part of their 2026. The impending rest from All-Star Break is a welcome sight for Houston.

Trenton Whiting
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Jan 31, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) and Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) shake hands after the game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets have been one of the league's best home teams this season, but their success hasn't travelled for several reasons. The Rockets have several tests on the road before the season concludes, and they must improve their results.

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