NBA Power Rankings: Lakers Win Boosts Rockets?

The Houston Rockets beat the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers this week. Where does that put them in this week's power rankings?

Jeremy Brener | Jan 30, 2024

The Houston Rockets are gaining some steam and attention after beating LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night inside Toyota Center.

The win brings the Rockets closer to the top 10 in the Western Conference, one game behind the Lakers and Utah Jazz for the final Play-In spot. The victory also pushes the Rockets three spots higher in CBS Sports' latest power rankings. After landing at No. 21 last week, the team now sits at No. 18.

Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center. — Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

"The Rockets picked up blowout wins over the Hornets and Lakers this week, but also lost to the struggling Blazers and Nets," CBS Sports writes. "Jalen Green is on fire, averaging just under 30 points and eight rebounds in the four games on 51% shooting. Alperen Sengun added 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists per game."

If Green and Sengun can continue these hot streaks going into February, the Rockets' chances of moving even higher in the power rankings and into the Play-In standings will only increase.

Jalen Green Leads Rockets to Victory Over LeBron James and Lakers

The Rockets are back in action tomorrow when they host Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans. Then, the Toronto Raptors come to town for their annual visit to Toyota Center on Friday. The week wraps up on Sunday as the Rockets take off for the north to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Published Jan 30, 2024

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.