Rockets' momentum can carry them into surprising playoff success

The Rockets have been on a tear in recent weeks, just coming off an 8-game winning streak that was finally snapped by the Timberwolves on Friday night. Houston is clicking at the right time and looks ready to make some serious noise in the playoffs. Of course, getting an ideal matchup will help their playoff odds but the Rockets seem ready for anyone with their recent play.

The Rockets are primed for the playoffs

Houston has figured out some lingering issues in this hot stretch, including offensive woes caused by a lack of shooting. The roster might not be a perfect championship contender, but they are making the most of their talent and promising to be a difficult out. With their current wave of strong play, the Rockets are looking like one of the most dangerous teams in the West.

On the season, the Rockets rank 25th in threes made per game and 21st in assists per game. But since the start of their win streak, they are up to 15th in threes per game 8th in assists per game. The offense is finally humming and the Rockets hope to carry that production into the postseason.

All season long, the Rockets have had plenty of questions about their full starting lineup. Of course, the disastrous injuries to starting-level veterans Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet have only made these worse. But recently they may stumbled into some viable solutions for the playoffs.

During the Rockets' 8-game win streak, Reed Sheppard often found himself starting and did a good job in the point guard spot. He's currently the best shooter on the team and lifted the Rockets offense by hitting threes. Sheppard has noticeable defensive weaknesses, but the Rockets were able to hide those with their other strong defenders and smart strategies.

Houston could surprise some people in the playoffs

The Rockets have been written off as a playoff non-threat for the entire second half of the season. The doubts are justified given how strong the Thunder and Spurs have looked consistently. Additional surges from the Lakers and Nuggets only decrease the Rockets' odds at making the conference finals or beyond.

But the Rockets are more dangerous than the general consensus. They still have one of the deadliest playoff scorers in league history, Kevin Durant, leading the offense. And the team's advantages as a physical and defensive powerhouse could also pay dividends in the playoffs when referees allow more contact.

Sure, the Rockets still have some weaknesses but they are showing us in live time that they're figuring out a winning formula. If they can keep up that calculus into the playoffs, no one will want to face off against them.