Inside The Rockets

Rockets Officially Clinch Postseason Berth

The Houston Rockets will be playing bonus basketball for the first time since 2020.

Jeremy Brener

Mar 19, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) defends Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Mar 19, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) defends Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images / Mike Watters-Imagn Images
In this story:

Orlando, Fla. — For the first time since 2020, the Houston Rockets are postseason-bound after beating the Orlando Magic 114-106 to clinch their eighth consecutive victory.

When Tari Eason was told by Houston Chronicle reporter Danielle Lerner that the team had clinched a playoff berth, he was surprised to hear that.

This shows that the Rockets aren't listening to the outside noise and are zeroed in on their focus to do more in the playoffs.

It's a small step for this team, but it isn't insignificant.

The Rockets have earned their place among the best in the West, a place they haven't been in since before COVID, which feels like forever ago.

Houston still has a lot to play for over the final 13 games of the season. The team is fighting for where it will land in the playoff picture when it is all said and done. The Rockets are currently holding on to the No. 2 seed, which is the highest they can finish, so they need to be able to keep the winning ways going before they face some adversity in the first round of the playoffs.

The Rockets are back in action when they play the second game in their Sunshine State tour tomorrow against the Miami Heat at 7 p.m. CT.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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