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Rockets would feel the heat from this bold move, but it's worth it

Rockets Rafael Stone, Christian Wood, Stephen Silas
Which option is better? Composite image by Jack Brame.

After their 130-101 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Houston Rockets stand at 11-13. That puts them 12th in the Western Conference and near the bottom (14th place) in the draft lottery. The only way the Rockets keep their first round pick this year is if it is in the top four. In a rebuilding phase like the Rockets are clearly in, it begs the question: should they compete for a playoff spot, or make moves to tank and get a high draft pick?

On the one hand, Rockets' fans would like to think this team, when fully healthy and all hands on deck, is a playoff contender. They're hoping John Wall stays healthy, Jae'Sean Tate, David Nwaba, Mason Jones, and Sterling Brown all improve enough to make them competitive in the Western Conference this season. They're also banking on Christian Wood's continued growth as a future superstar in the league, while Victor Oladipo progresses as an established star.

On the other hand, some are hoping guys like Oladipo, Wall, and others are traded for future assets and expiring contracts (like Oladipo's). If the Rockets' pick is in the top four selections of the draft, they keep their own pick. In my eyes, this draft isn't shaping up to be much, but a top four pick is better than not having one in any given draft, especially when your team is devoid of talent.

So which option is better? Should the Rockets make a run at a playoff spot? Or should they trade away assets and "tank" to see if they can get and keep a top pick in the draft to help with the rebuild? In my opinion, I think they should trade assets and aim for the draft pick. I highly doubt they make enough of a run in the regular season to make a decent seed. Even if they make the playoffs, it's even more doubtful they will make it out of the first round, which would result in them not having that first round pick to help them rebuild. Add that to the fact that they won't have cap space to offer a max contract free agent a spot, and you get a team in purgatory.

This is why I believe they should tank, get the high draft pick, and have that assist in the rebuild assuming the lottery falls their way. Sure, I'd love to see them in the playoffs, but this team isn't built for a playoff run. Look around at the Western Conference. Can this Rockets team honestly beat the Jazz, Clippers, Lakers, or even the Suns in a seven game series in the first round? If you think so, I have a therapist I can refer you to. While they're only three games out of the fifth seed in the West at this time, I can't see them making any waves. I also don't see them keeping guys around, especially since Oladipo has an expiring contract that could prove very attractive come the trade deadline. Here's to hoping they do the right thing for the team's future, whatever you, or I believe that looks like.

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The Timberwolves host the Rockets on Tuesday night. Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images.

The Houston Rockets (12-6), currently third in the Western Conference, travel to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-8) on Tuesday night. Both teams are looking to solidify their playoff pushes early in the season, with Houston aiming to extend their strong start and Minnesota seeking consistency.

Key Storylines

  • Rockets' Paint Dominance: Houston thrives in the paint, ranking eighth in the NBA with 53.0 points per game in that area. Alperen Sengun, who averages 12.4 paint points per game, anchors their interior scoring and will be pivotal against Minnesota's big men.
  • Anthony Edwards Leading the Timberwolves: Edwards continues to shine for Minnesota, averaging 27.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. His ability to take over games and provide consistent offensive production will be a key factor against Houston's defense.
  • Defensive Challenges: The Timberwolves' offense, shooting 46.9% from the field, will face a tough test against Houston’s stout defense, which limits opponents to just 42.7% shooting. Conversely, Minnesota allows 110.8 points per game and must find ways to disrupt Houston’s balanced attack led by Jalen Green, who averages 18.7 points per game.

Team Trends

  • Rockets: Houston has won seven of their last 10 games and averages 113.8 points during this stretch. Their defense has been stellar, holding opponents to just 103.7 points per game while forcing turnovers with 10.3 steals per contest.
  • Timberwolves: Minnesota has been streaky, going 5-5 in their last 10. They’ve averaged 113.6 points while allowing 109.7 points per game, with a strong track record in games decided by double digits (4-2 record).

Key Matchup

  • Edwards vs. Houston's Defense: How the Rockets handle Edwards could determine the outcome. Houston’s ability to slow the Timberwolves’ star while maintaining their own offensive rhythm will be critical.

Injury Report

  • Timberwolves: Mike Conley (toe) is listed as day-to-day.
  • Rockets: Steven Adams (knee) is day-to-day.

Betting Information

  • Line: Timberwolves -3
  • Over/Under: 220.5

This matchup features two teams battling for positioning within a crowded Western Conference. With Houston’s stout defense clashing against Minnesota’s potent offense, this game promises to be a compelling contest.

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