Inside The Rockets

Rockets Are Consistent, But One Problem Still Lingers

The Houston Rockets have become a more consistent team, but there's still room for growth.
Jeremy Brener|
Jan 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) strips the ball from Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Jan 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) strips the ball from Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets are parking themselves at the All-Star break feeling pretty good about themselves.

The Rockets are sitting in the top six in the Western Conference, which is a step or two higher than many expected them to be at the start of the season. Considering the Rockets were a lottery team a year ago, this isn't a step, but rather a leap.

While the Rockets are moving in the right direction, ESPN insider Michael Wright pumps the brakes a little bit, keeping Houston at arms length when solidifying itself as a true contender.

"Houston coach Ime Udoka expressed frustration last season about the team's inconsistency," Wright writes.

"This season, the Rockets seemed to have fixed that issue, losing consecutive games just twice before the most recent six-game skid. Houston started its current four-game homestand by snapping a six-game losing streak, holding Toronto to 87 points. The performance marked the 10th time this season the Rockets have held an opponent to fewer than 100 points. But injuries are mounting with Fred VanVleet out and Alperen Sengun becoming the latest casualty, playing just three minutes Sunday before leaving the game because of back spasms.

The Rockets should be getting VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr. back in the lineup in the first few games after the All-Star break, and that should go a long way as the team tries to jockey for positioning in the Western Conference playoff picture by grabbing a top-four seed that grants them homecourt advantage in the first round of the postseason.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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