Smack dab in the final week of March, the Houston Rockets are one of the hottest teams in the NBA.
The Rockets are in the midst of an eight-game winning streak ahead of tonight's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The team is currently sitting one game behind the Golden State Warriors (36-35), who currently hold the final Play-In spot in the Western Conference.
The Warriors own the tiebreaker over the Rockets, meaning the Rockets would have to outplay Golden State outright for the final spot.
Still, the Houston Rockets have found great success late in the season and could possibly win the final play-in spot if things go their way.
Houston Rockets Find Success Even Without Alperen Sengun
The Houston Rockets looked down and out at the beginning of March after starting center Alperen Sengun went down with a grade 3 ankle injury that has so far kept him out of action for most of this final regular season stretch.
Since then they have still been able to reel off some big wins, climbing their way back to a .500 record with 35-35.
The Rockets team has been able to find success even without Sengun, who up until his injury, was putting together a career year.
Alperen Sengun was averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists before the injury; and was a top candidate for the NBA Most Improved Player Award.
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Houston Rockets: Offensive Explosion
The Rockets' winning streak has been fueled by their stout defense. The team overall has improved since moving 6 foot 7 rookie Amen Thompson to the starting lineup when Sengun went down.
Since then, Udoka's team has also taken a jump on offense in putting Thompson at center. This move cleared the driving lane and opened the floor for Jalen Green to operate.
Houston Rockets: Jalen Green Emerging Star
A big reason for the Houston Rockets late-season success is Jalen Green.
Green has been big-time during the Rocket's winning streak averaging 27.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game; shooting 47.8% from the floor and 39.4% from long range.
He dropped 41 points from against the Jazz while snagging the NBA Player of the week.
Since being drafted as the Rockets' No. 2 overall pick in 2021, Jalen Green has been poised to become the team's franchise player when entering the league.
Now in his fourth year, the 22-year-old is starting to fulfill his potential, helping keep the Rockets' playoff hopes alive this late in the season.
Houston Rockets Down the Final Stretch
The Houston Rockets schedule is only going to get tougher following tonight's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.
They will play seven of their final 11 games on the road.
The Rockets' final stretch includes matchups against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, and a final matchup against the Golden State Warriors.
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