The Houston Rockets face a troubling trend of failing to close out games, with several factors contributing to their recent struggles. Injuries and a challenging schedule have seen them drop from a top-two seed to fifth in the Western Conference, while their free-throw shooting has plummeted to the worst in the NBA at 74.3%. In a recent matchup against the Indiana Pacers, the Rockets shot just 50% from the line, which significantly impacted their ability to secure victories.

The Rockets' free-throw woes are magnified by their high number of attempts, placing them among the leaders in the league. Opponents are increasingly opting to foul players like Alperen Sengun instead of allowing easy baskets, knowing the Rockets struggle at the line. Even promising performances from Jalen Green, who began the season with nearly 90% success, have faltered. Addressing these issues is crucial as the team aims for a playoff berth.