NBA Power Rankings: Where Are Rockets Going Into Season?

The Houston Rockets look to avoid the bottom of the NBA standings this season after being stuck in the basement for the past three years.

While their offseason moves reflect a team looking to improve, the Rockets have still yet to prove anything.

The Rockets are ranked No. 26 in Marc Stein's power rankings going into the year. Only the Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers and Detroit Pistons rank lower than the Rockets in Stein's first power rankings.

"We've been getting this question a lot lately: How much of a leap can Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün and the Rockets take this season after maneuvering to acquire Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks and hiring Ime Udoka as coach?

"The Committee has at least 11 teams in the West ahead of them and possibly 12 depending on how closely Utah follows last season's script. One key area for improvement right off the bat: Both VanVleet and Brooks shot below 40 percent from the field last season," Stein writes.

The Rockets are relying on VanVleet and Brooks to help revive the team along with its young core, but if one or both prove to be a bust, it could be a long season for Houston.

The team is already starting out the gate with a flat tire after Tari Eason was ruled out for "2-3 weeks" with a stress fracture on his lower leg.

The team has to limit those hurdles and deliver on its promises it made to the fans in the offseason.

The Rockets begin their season on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT.

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