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.