The Houston Rockets have secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs, prompting head coach Ime Udoka to make strategic decisions about player rest. In a recent game against the Los Angeles Clippers, key rotation players Fred VanVleet, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and Dillon Brooks were held out for rest or minor injuries. Jalen Green, the team’s leading scorer, played limited minutes as the Rockets aim to maintain their momentum heading into the playoffs.

Despite a successful run with 15 wins in 17 games, Udoka faces the dilemma of balancing rest to prevent injuries with the risk of losing rhythm due to inactivity. He hinted that the Rockets might play their regulars in upcoming games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets to keep the team sharp.

The Houston Rockets have made a significant turnaround this season, with Jalen Green emerging as a standout player under the leadership of head coach Ime Udoka. After finishing with a poor record in his first two seasons, Green has led the team to a playoff berth for the first time since 2020, attributing much of this success to Udoka's influence on team culture. The Rockets, bolstered by offseason acquisitions like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, have climbed to second in the Western Conference.

Following a victory over Utah, which secured the division title, Green emphasized Udoka's role in establishing a winning mindset within the team. He noted how Udoka instilled a culture of hard work and commitment, helping them shed bad habits from previous seasons. With five regular-season games remaining, the Rockets look poised to make a meaningful playoff run, showcasing the fruits of their hard work and strategic reinforcements.

The Houston Rockets have secured their first division title and playoff berth since the 2019 season, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise. With a strong record of 50-27, they clinched the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference following their recent victory over the Utah Jazz and a loss by the Memphis Grizzlies. This success is a result of the team’s dedicated rebuilding effort, culminating in the maturation of young talent like Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun under the guidance of coach Ime Udoka and the leadership of veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks.

This season saw the Rockets decisively win three out of four matchups against the Grizzlies, ensuring a tiebreaker advantage. Their playoff berth marks a return to competitiveness after a challenging phase since the departure of James Harden. The Rockets are set for the playoffs starting April 19, hoping to leverage their strong position against other Western contenders.

Fred VanVleet's struggles have continued as he faces right ankle and knee soreness, sidelining him yet again for the Houston Rockets. His inefficiency since returning from an ankle injury has been concerning, with shooting percentages dropping below 36% and even lower at 25.4% in his last five outings. Despite his difficulties, the Rockets maintain a strong record, standing second in the Western Conference, indicating that his contributions are still valuable.

Head coach Ime Udoka has noted that VanVleet may have to manage these ailments for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. In games where he is absent, the Rockets are expected to adapt their lineup, likely shifting Amen Thompson to point guard. This adjustment underscores the importance of having a healthy VanVleet, especially with the playoffs approaching.

Jalen Green is evolving as a player, showcasing not just his scoring prowess during the Houston Rockets' recent surge. His performance against the Atlanta Hawks highlighted this newfound versatility, recording his 11th career double-double with a stellar 32 points and 11 rebounds. This was a continuation of a remarkable run for the Rockets, who now sit at 47-26 and second in the Western Conference. Green's scoring average of 21.5 points per game leads the team, but his contributions on the boards and assists are equally pivotal as Houston has significantly improved from previous seasons.

The Rockets have also shown marked improvement in their shooting efficiency and rebounding, leading to an impressive record when they shoot above 45%. Additionally, veteran Fred VanVleet has stepped up his scoring, which has proven vital in games when he scores over 20 points. Overall, the team's recent form, including a strong performance in free-throw shooting and improved three-point defense, reflects their growth and potential playoff readiness.