Rockets Peaking At Just The Right Time
Winners of five straight, the Rockets are rolling right before the playoffs.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 20: Alperen Sengun #28 and Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets celebrate a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) Getty Images Winners of five straight games, the Rockets are rolling, having gone 4-0 on the week last week. On Sunday, they demolished the New Orleans Pelicans, 134-102, behind 36 points from Alperen Sengun. Then on Tuesday, they were led by Kevin Durant’s 27 points in defeating the New York Knicks, 111-94, in front of their home crowd.
On Wednesday, Reed Sheppard’s 27 points led them to a 119-113 victory at home over the Milwaukee Bucks. And lastly, on Friday, they blew out a tanking Utah Jazz team, 140-106, behind 25 points from Kevin Durant. The Rockets are clicking at just the right time, with just five games remaining on the schedule before the postseason.
On Sunday night, Houston visits a Golden State Warriors team that bounced it from the first round just last season. All-Star guard Steph Curry is expected to return to face Houston after missing over two months due to right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome. On Tuesday, Houston will visit a Phoenix team that should have former Rockets Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks available and in uniform.