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.

Jan 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) shoots the ball as Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith (25) defends during the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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The Rockets are prepared to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder for the first time since the season's first game. Houston fell just short in that game, and they'll have a few goals to accomplish to avenge that loss.

Trenton Whiting
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Jan 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) drives with the ball as Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets are preparing for some of their toughest matchups in a while as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves come into town. The Rockets will need their best performances to compete against those teams.

Trenton Whiting
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Jan 11, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles against Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets have one of the league's best home records, so an extended stretch in Houston could help the team break out of its slump.

Trenton Whiting
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Jan 11, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks on from the bench during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets haven't taken advantage of their opportunity to solidify their spot in the standings after a stretch of some of their worst play of the season. Other Western Conference teams are overtaking the Rockets as Houston struggles.

Trenton Whiting
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Jan 9, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) attempts to steal the ball during the second half against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets are not currently playing with their full complement of players, though they might get one of their most impact players soon. Houston must use this time to improve their ability to win through some adversity.

Trenton Whiting
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Jan 9, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) embraces Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) after a game at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets have lived and died by the performance of their draft picks during their rebuild, hoping they can still elevate to elite levels and make big impacts for the team. Those draft picks still have room to grow.

Trenton Whiting
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Jan 7, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) reacts after scoring against the Portland Trail Blazers uring the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets are looking to right their wrongs against the Portland Trailblazers after a tough loss to them earlier in the week. How can the Rockets turn things around in their second straight game against Portland?

Trenton Whiting
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Jan 7, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots the ball over Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
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Statistically, the Houston Rockets are still a strong defensive and rebounding team. However, that side of the ball has let them down more often this season than their offense as they've taken some difficult losses against weaker opponents.

Trenton Whiting
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Jan 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets Kevin Durant (7) celebrates his three point winning basket against the Phoenix Suns in the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets have worked their way into being a potential factor in the Western Conference, but while other Western Conference teams consider trades by the deadline, the Rockets may hold on to their internal talent and maintain their chemistry.

Trenton Whiting
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Jan 3, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets haven't played at their best consistently throughout this season, but some other Western Conference contenders have faced their own struggles. The Rockets aren't out of the running for becoming the best in the West by year's end.

Trenton Whiting
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Jan 3, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) shoots as Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) and Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (30) defend during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets aren't currently constructed to survive any significant injury or missing time from their most integral pieces. Another difficult loss proved why the Rockets need all of their pieces to truly contend.

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