3 Reasons to be optimistic about the remainder of the Rockets' season

The Houston Rockets played above their heads throughout most of 2024-25.

Most of us knew it - whether we wanted to admit it or not. Watching this team succeed was satisfying, but it consistently felt like they were due for a fall. Now, the fall has come.

The Rockets have lost 7 of their last 10. The same team that fearlessly took on all comers is suddenly vulnerable. The Rockets had a firm hold on the Western Conference's second seed for months, but now, they've slipped to fifth.

Here are 3 reasons to be optimistic about the rest of their season despite the turmoil.

1. The Rockets' strength of schedule

In the NBA, it's not just about how well you play. It's also about how well your opponents play. Luckily for the Rockets, they've got plenty of opponents coming up who haven't made a habit of playing well in 2024-25.

The Rockets have the 17th-hardest remaining schedule in the NBA. That's the third-easiest schedule in the Western Conference. This news couldn't come at a more opportune time for the Rockets.

Sure, they've slipped recently. The Rockets have suffered a rash of injuries, and the Western Conference is unforgiving. With an easier slate of games remaining, they should be able to close some of that gap.

Speaking of those injuries...

2. The Rockets will get Fred VanVleet back

The most notable absent players on this roster have been Jabari Smith Jr. and Fred VanVleet. Smith Jr. has made his return. With 15 points and 9 rebounds, he was highly impactful against the Timberwolves, but his production waned against the Jazz (3 points, 2 rebounds).

That said, he likely wasn't the most significant missing piece from this roster.

That would be Fred VanVleet. His +5.6 net rating (per CleaningTheGlass) is the second-best mark on the Rockets this year. VanVleet's ability to pilot their offense without turning the ball over has been vital for the Rockets this year. Without him, they've been a shell of themselves.

Some will suggest that his absence has been a blessing in disguise. The Rockets have gotten some invaluable data about their young players without VanVleet's veteran presence. Still, this team is not philosophically whole without their floor general. When VanVleet returns, they should get back to their winning ways.

3. The Rockets are hungry

This may feel reductive. Fair. Still, it's worth considering the specific composition of this Rockets team. They're young, eager, and led by the hardnosed Ime Udoka.

They're not going to slip too far in the standings without a fight.

Can we say the same for every team in the Western Conference? It's unclear whether the Spurs will attempt to tank in the absence of Victor Wembanyama. The Blazers have been surprisingly competitive, but they may pull the plug before their lottery odds are too impacted. Older teams like the Warriors, Kings, and Mavericks may slow down as the season grinds to a halt.

The Rockets should be able to pick up the pace. They're getting key players back at an ideal time, and they've got an easy schedule remaining.

They may start to play above their heads again.