The Houston Rockets open a critical five‑game home stretch on Jan. 13, beginning with a matchup against the Chicago Bulls. With a 28‑28 record and a tight play‑in race, the Rockets aim to win three of five to rise above .500, boost their playoff chances, and test the health of key players before the February trade deadline.
Upcoming Homestand Schedule
The Rockets start the stretch on Tuesday, Jan. 13, hosting the Chicago Bulls at the Toyota Center. The five‑game run continues with back‑to‑back games against the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors, and concludes with a showdown versus the Denver Nuggets.
First Game vs Bulls
Kick‑off is set for 7:30 p.m. Central. The Bulls sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, offering Houston a winnable opening contest.
Rockets Current Form
Recent Performance
Houston has posted a 4‑3 record over its last seven outings, improving from a 2‑5 start to the new year. The team has shown growing consistency as the season progresses.
Key Players
- Jalen Green – averaging 19.2 points per game over his last ten contests.
- Alperen Şengün – delivering double‑digit rebounds and points, including three double‑doubles in his last five games.
Injury Update
Impact on Lineup
Center Alperen Şengün missed the most recent victory with a sore ankle, and guard Kevin Porter Jr. remains questionable after a hamstring strain. The Rockets have inserted forward Danuel House Jr. into the starting lineup to maintain defensive versatility.
Historical Context
Franchise Legacy
The Rockets boast two NBA championships (1994, 1995) and a recent era of success that included three Western Conference Finals appearances (2015‑2018) led by James Harden.
Post‑Harden Era
Since trading Harden in 2021, the front office has focused on youth and draft capital, building around talents such as Jabari Smith, Jalen Green, and Alperen Şengün.
Playoff Implications
Standings and Scenarios
At 28‑28, the Rockets sit just inside the Western Conference’s play‑in threshold. A 3‑2 sweep of the homestand would lift the team to a .500 record and tighten the race for the eighth seed as the second half of the season begins.
Defensive Concerns
Recent games have shown a drop in defensive rating, placing the Rockets in the lower third of the league. Healthier rotations could help reverse this trend.
Strategic Outlook
Roster Development
Since 2022, Houston has accumulated five draft assets, underscoring a commitment to a home‑grown core that aligns with the league’s talent pipeline.
Upcoming Road Trip
A successful three‑win stretch would provide momentum heading into a demanding road trip against the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns, testing the depth and defensive intensity of the bench.
Looking Ahead
Fans can follow the homestand live and stay updated with real‑time scores. The Rockets’ performance over the next few weeks will determine whether they turn a modest rebound into a genuine postseason push or slip further into rebuilding mode.
