Rockets News: Butler's status questionable, as is Antetokounmpo's future

The Houston Rockets are focused on the present. Their next game is as consequential as one could imagine.

If they go down 3-1 to the Warriors, their odds of winning the series become minuscule. The Warriors have too much championship experience to give up that type of lead. This is a must-win game for the Rockets.

One factor could make a significant difference to their chances.

Rockets waiting on Butler update

Jimmy Butler's availability will be a difference-maker.

Some critics will disagree. They'll note that Butler was on the shelf for Game 3, and the Rockets lost anyway.

Sure. That doesn't negate the fact that Butler is one of the best players in this series. If he's available, the Warriors become considerably harder to guard.

As of this writing, his status is questionable. It wouldn't be too surprising if the Warriors opted to continue resting Butler since they won Game 3 without him. At the same time, they may opt to make a serious push for a 3-1 lead and put him on the floor.

Ultimately, the Rockets need to beat whoever the Warriors put on the floor. They can't shy away from a challenge. Still, there's no denying that Butler's presence will change the dynamics of this game in Golden State's favor.

That said, there are whispers that the Rockets could change the league's dynamic this summer.

Rockets linked to superstar forward

The idea of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Rockets red has been a fixation for some time now. With the Bucks down 3-1 to the Pacers and Damian Lillard done for the year (and who knows how much longer), the idea is picking up steam again.

The Ringer's Bill Simmons recently fanned the flames.

"To me, Houston makes the most sense (as an Antetokounmpo destination)"

-Bill Simmons, The Ringer

He's got a point. The Rockets are a strong candidate to acquire Antetokounmpo. That said, he is one of the best players in the NBA. If the Rockets want Antetokounmpo, they'll have competition.

The Nets have been another frequently named destination. They have a market advantage over Houston. If Antetokounmpo has eyes for the Big Apple, it could put Brooklyn in the driver's seat.

What if market size doesn't matter to Antetokounmpo? In that event, he could prefer to form a dominant duo with Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio. Yes, that's a nightmare scenario for the Rockets. Sorry to bring it up.

Finally, the Pelicans own a sizeable share of the Bucks' future draft capital. They're generally a wildcard organization. It wouldn't be surprising if they were interested in Antetokounmpo, but the interest may not be mutual.

That matters. A star like Antetokounmpo will have some say in his landing spot. If he likes the hard-nosed Rockets, he may want to come to Space City. Whether the Rockets want to mortgage their future for an MVP candidate is a different matter.

Perhaps we should see how their series with the Warriors go first.