Houston Rockets’ Power Rankings Plunge Sparks Discussion on Their Fortunes
The Houston Rockets have proven their mettle against some of the NBA’s best, even pushing the Oklahoma City Thunder to double overtime on opening night. This performance showcased their potential, particularly given their struggles with offensive cohesion and injuries. Yet, as the season progresses, questions are arising about the team’s sustainability and trajectory.
A Sizeable Advantage
One of the Rockets’ defining characteristics is their imposing size, featuring a rotation that includes three legitimate centers. This physicality has translated into dominance on the boards, as they currently lead the league in both total and offensive rebounds. On most nights, this size advantage allows them to impose their will on opponents.
However, when matched against teams like the Denver Nuggets, the Rockets’ size can be somewhat neutralized. The Nuggets counter with their own formidable duo in Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas, both towering seven-footers. In their recent clash, the rebounding battle was surprisingly close, with Houston narrowly edging Denver 46 rebounds to 38. The Rockets managed only 12 offensive rebounds, significantly below their usual output, especially when compared to their previous game against the Los Angeles Clippers, where they dominated the boards 51-28, including a staggering 22 offensive rebounds.
Inconsistent Results and Recent Struggles
Despite their rebounding prowess, Houston’s performance has been inconsistent. They managed to secure a narrow victory over the Clippers, but it was marred by a late-game error on Los Angeles’ part, raising concerns for a team that now sits at 6-20. Their recent drop in USA Today’s power rankings—from third to sixth—reflects this uncertainty. Analyst Clemente Almanza noted that the Rockets have had a peculiar early schedule, playing fewer games than most teams in the league. This unusual rhythm may have contributed to their hot start, but it raises questions about their long-term viability.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, the Rockets face a challenging stretch. They are set to play 29 games in just 54 days, which includes 12 back-to-back matchups. This grueling schedule could test their depth and endurance, especially as they have struggled against the teams currently ranked ahead of them, including the Thunder, Pistons, Nuggets, Spurs, and Knicks—a daunting 0-5 record against these opponents this season.
As the Rockets navigate this demanding slate, their ability to maintain competitiveness and build on their early-season promise will be closely scrutinized. The future remains uncertain, but the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether they can regain their footing or if they will continue to struggle under the weight of expectations.
