Houston Rockets Receive Favorable Projection for Next Season

There's a consensus about two teams in the West, and then it's a scrum

Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia (12) during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With training camp set to begin in September, the majority of NBA franchises have nearly finalized their rosters for the upcoming season. For this reason, various media outlets have made their projections on where each team will stand in 2027.

ESPN projects the Houston Rockets to finish with a 51-31 record, behind only the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference standings.

“The West goes through either Oklahoma City or San Antonio, but don't count out Houston. The Rockets expect to take another step in Year 2 with Kevin Durant, bolstered by the return of guard Fred VanVleet and continued improvements from Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard.”

True Title Contenders

The Rockets have taken a firm position in the league’s hierarchy, finishing with a 50-32 record for each of the past two seasons. Both playoff appearances ended with elimination in the first round. Although ESPN projects Houston to remain in almost the same spot in next year’s regular-season standings, the franchise has the potential to push its ceiling higher in 2027.

In his first season in Houston, Durant averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists over 78 games. Still considered one of the top players in the league, the 16-time All-Star placed fourth in total points in the NBA last season. While he was sidelined for the majority of Houston’s first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, his availability was exceptional otherwise.

Oct 20, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) chest bumps guard Fred Van Vleet (5) after scoring a basket against the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

The other main ingredient in Houston’s championship hopes will likely be Alperen Sengun. Sengun averaged 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists over 72 games last season, earning him a second consecutive All-Star selection. Known for his playmaking, the 24-year-old finished behind only Nikola Jokic for the most assists by a center.

This upcoming season may determine whether Thompson will transition into the franchise’s next superstar, though the forecast is looking bright based on his past production. As anticipated, the return of VanVleet and Sheppard's increased role should also help Houston make the jump to becoming true title contenders.

As is the case with any other NBA franchise, injuries may ultimately determine where Houston ranks in the standings. Between VanVleet, Thompson, Sheppard, and Marcus Smart, the Rockets’ backcourt should be substantially more equipped than last season. Tari Eason is expected to fill in for Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. from within the rotation, though the franchise has less leeway in terms of forward depth.

Overall, with three players anticipated to be in serious contention for All-Star selections, the Rockets have the talent to separate themselves from the congested pack of Western Conference title hopefuls. While the Spurs and Thunder are still clear favorites, it is within reason for the Rockets to finish with a 55-27 record.