Rockets benefit tremendously from a critical Suns loss

The Houston Rockets clinched a playoff spot some time ago. Now, they've got the second seed locked down. That's why they gave opportunities to their third-string players in Wednesday's loss to the Clippers.

The Rockets didn't care about the outcome of that game. They'll be the second seed, and whoever they face in the first round is out of their hands. If you're a Rockets fan and you skipped this game, nobody could blame you. The results legitimately did not matter to the team's goals. That said, there was an NBA game that did matter to Rockets fans on Wednesday.

It went the Rockets' way.

Rockets continue to benefit from Suns' sorrow

Nobody was surprised to see the Thunder overtake the Suns on Wednesday. It's been a tremendously difficult season for the Suns. They're committed to an aging roster, and that roster is underperforming. Worst of all, they don't have a first-round pick to show for their hardship.

The Rockets own that pick.

After losing to Oklahoma City, the Suns are officially eliminated from playoff contention. The Rockets will get a lottery pick without playing lottery basketball for the second season in a row.

This is huge. It wouldn't be controversial to say that the Rockets have one of the best young cores in the NBA. Now, they have the opportunity to add another blue-chip prospect to the fold.

Unless they choose another direction.

Rockets have plenty of options in the lottery

Realistically, the Rockets will wait to see where this pick conveys on May 12th before they even begin the decision-making process.

If the pick does leap, they'll have to strongly consider drafting. In the unlikely event that it lands first overall, they have to draft Cooper Flagg. Moving the pick isn't an option. Even if the pick lands second, Houston should probably go ahead and add Dylan Harper to the squad.

Otherwise? It's anybody's guess. The Rockets could justify any decision. Adding a cost-controlled young player would be smart, but so could making a win-now move. The higher the pick lands, the more valuable it becomes.

It may depend on who's on the board. If other teams have passed on Kon Knueppel, the Rockets may not be able to resist adding a player who provides a needed skill set. If Asa Newell is at the top of their big board, they may choose to move the pick rather than add a project player who doesn't fit with their current roster.

The specter of Kevin Durant looms over the decision as well. The Rockets could trade this pick for his services. They've also been linked to Devin Booker, although most reporting indicates that he'll remain in Phoenix.

In any case, landing another lottery pick is a huge win for the Rockets. Having too many choices is a rich person's problem.

Now, their fans don't have to watch Suns games, either.