The Houston Rockets weren’t involved about tiebreakers and playoffs within the three seasons main as much as 2023-24. After the departure of James Harden, the Rockets went into full rebuild mode and have become extra involved with participant improvement.
Final season, the Rockets obtained their first style of Playoff-style basketball in late March, battling for the ultimate Play-In spot earlier than disappearing within the standings over the ultimate two weeks. Thus far this season, the Rockets sit atop the convention standings and, greater than ever, tiebreakers will turn into vital to playoff seeding.
Although the Rockets are presently within the third seed, they solely have three video games left within the loss column in comparison with the seventh seed and a attainable play-in sport. The Western Convention presently has ten groups .500 or higher.
Which means a two-game dropping streak may take you from high 3 to sixth in a matter of days. The Rockets’ opponent tonight, the Los Angeles Lakers, enter the Toyota Middle at 20-14, simply two video games behind the Rockets.
This would be the Rocket’s first matchup towards the Lakers this season after splitting all 4 matchups final season. Tonight’s sport additionally marks one other matchup between Ime Udoka and LeBron James. Final season, James and Udoka had a heated change, resulting in the second technical and Udoka’s ejection.
A part of Udoka’s frustration was the best way the Rockets have been taking part in, however he additionally wished to make it clear to his workforce that he did not need them to take second place to anybody. In addition to the dangerous emotions between the 2 groups, the Rockets need to have a head begin with regards to head-to-head matches.
The Houston Rockets look to get again within the win column as they host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night time.
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