In a change from previous seasons, the Houston Rockets now find themselves considering tiebreakers and playoff positioning as they embark on the 2023-24 campaign. Post-James Harden saw the Rockets enter a total rebuild, prioritizing player development over immediate success.
Last season, the Rockets got a taste of playoff intensity during the late March battle for a spot in the Play-In. Although they ultimately fell short, that experience proved invaluable as they now have a chance to challenge for a more secure play-off spot.
Currently ranked third in the Western Conference, the Rockets find themselves in a precarious situation; they are just three losses away from slipping to seventh place and facing a potential play-in match. The Western Conference is fiercely competitive this year, with ten teams having a record of .500 or better, meaning every game matters a lot.
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A mere two-game losing streak could see Houston go from a promising third place to sixth almost overnight. Tonight, they face a formidable opponent in the Los Angeles Lakers, who arrive at the Toyota Center with a 20-14 record—just two games behind the Rockets.
This meeting marks the first meeting of the season between these two teams after they split their four meetings last year. Additionally, the match will highlight the ongoing rivalry between Rockets coach Ime Udoka and Lakers superstar LeBron James. Their previous encounters have been fraught with intensity, including a notable incident last season that led to Udoka’s expulsion after a heated exchange.
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Udoka’s frustration was not only due to his team’s performance, but also his determination to ensure that the Rockets always fought for respect on the court. With tensions high and the stakes even higher, the Rockets are eager to take control of this crucial head-to-head encounter.
As they aim to return to their winning form, the Rockets are set for a thrilling clash against the Lakers this Sunday night.
