Rockets' bitter rival is falling apart with no sign of recovery

As the Houston Rockets enter the 2025-26 NBA season, there is almost no team with more anticipated improvements to their roster, and the organization and fans alike are ready to see the team contend.

However, one of their bitter rivals, the Golden State Warriors, seems to be in almost the opposite position, with their contractual stand-off with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga having rendered them completely stagnant this offseason.

Now, as the Warriors attempt to make a flurry of late-offseason signings in order to field a roster ready for contention, the Rockets can look forward to their matchups, and even a potential playoff rematch, with anticipation.

The Golden State Warriors may not be in a position to contend this season

Last season, after the Rockets had an excellent finish to the regular season and earned the second seed in a stacked Western Conference, they drew an unfortunate first round matchup, being forced to face the upstart Golden State team as they advanced out of the play-in.

The teams slugged it out through seven games, with the Warriors ultimately prevailing as a result of Houston's inability to finish games with their offense. Yet, their defense and physical play shone through their unfortunate defeat, putting the league on notice that the Rockets would be a team to fear in coming seasons.

Now, with the organization having made a blockbuster move for superstar Kevin Durant this offseason, Houston's offense has been entirely revamped, and, with an elite shooter in the wings, they could now easily be one of the most dangerous playoff teams in the league.

The Warriors meanwhile, are set to enter the regular season with four starters over the age of 35 assuming they carry out their intention to bring in veteran center Al Horford.

While their trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green certainly present a formidable front on both ends of the court, even one significant injury, as was seen last postseason, could bring the whole plan crashing down.

Moreover, their inability to sign even a single free agent so far this offseason leaves swathes of doubt regarding how they will ultimately construct their roster. Although there are numerous guards available for veteran minimum deals, will any of these players be enough to make a difference in the playoffs?

Now, after over a decade of bitter rivalry between the two organizations, it seems as though Houston, finally, is on the upswing, while Golden State may be on the downswing at just the right time for the Rockets to take advantage.