NBA Power Rankings: Rockets Riding Middle of the Pack?

The Houston Rockets lost three straight before winning their last two games. Where does that put the team in the latest power rankings?

Jeremy Brener | Dec 26, 2023

NBA Power Rankings: Rockets Riding Middle of the Pack? /

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Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets are winners of two straight games after beating their division rivals Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans before Christmas came along.

Those wins snapped a three-game skid for the Rockets as they stayed just above .500 at 15-12.

Pelicans forward Zion Williamson looks to drive against Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) during the second half at Smoothie King Center / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

However, the short winning streak was not enough to keep the team moving up in CBS Sports' power rankings. After clocking in at No. 14 last week, Houston moved down one slot to No. 15.

"Houston started off the week with a rare defensive lapse in a home loss to the Hawks, but righted the ship in wins over the Mavericks and Pelicans," CBS Sports writes. "The Rockets allowed just 98.5 points per 100 possessions in the two wins, as Alperen Sengun led the offense with 29.5 points and 13 rebounds per game on 58% shooting."

Rockets 'Super Excited' About Thompson

The Rockets hope to keep the winning ways going with a seven-game homestand that spans over the next two weeks. Houston is one of the better home teams in the NBA, boasting a 12-2 mark so far at Toyota Center this season.

This week, Houston hosts the Indiana Pacers (Tue.) and Phoenix Suns (Wed.) before welcoming Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers to town on Friday.

Published Dec 26, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.