NBA Power Rankings: Rockets rank among league's best in new rankings

Some Houston Rockets fans are suffering from imposter syndrome.

Who could blame them? The Rockets tanked for years. An organizational goal was to be one of the worst teams in the NBA. If anyone had a worse record than the Rockets, their fans could expect senseless lineups, unexplained injuries, and underqualified players in key rotation spots.

It was a trying time. The Rockets spent years toiling in the league's basement. It felt like they'd never see the light of day. Now that they are, the fanbase is questioning reality.

Wake up. The light is blinding. The Rockets are legitimate. This is a team that opponents do not look forward to facing. Bleacher Report knows it.

They just ranked them fifth in the NBA in their recent power rankings.

Rockets rank among elite in new power rankings

Bleacher Report also understands the psychological torment of an average Rockets fan.

"Heading into Thursday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies, the Houston Rockets had gone 3-3 in their last six. And it was starting to feel like they might finally be coming back to earth a bit"

-Andy Bailey, Bleacher Report

If you didn't share that feeling, congratulations. You're either an impressively unshakeable optimist or a liar.

Realistically, there's been a sense that the Rockets have been playing above their heads all season. Go find a list of the NBA's top-10 players. You won't find a Rocket. Alperen Sengun may crack a top-20 list, but it's far from a foregone conclusion.

The Rockets have been winning with toughness, defensive intensity, and depth. It's a unique formula. It's not a strategy that typically yields a top-5 team.

Will the Rockets be an exception by the season's end?

Rockets need to stay the course

Bet against them at your own risk.

The Rockets won't win the 2024-25 NBA championship. It's fair to argue that there are teams below them in these power rankings who have a better chance. The Rockets may not be the fifth-best team in the NBA.

The numbers say otherwise. The Rockets have the third-best Defensive Rating in the NBA (107.0) and the league's 11th-ranked Offensive Rating (113.2). As a rule, the league's serious title contenders are top-10 in both categories.

So, the Rockets are knocking on the door. That's impressive for such a young team. The Rockets are ahead of schedule, and their fans need to accept that:

This team isn't in the basement anymore.