There’s an understanding that the goal is to win by any means necessary, and not get carried away with the highs and the lows. That's maturity.”

In 10 home games at Toyota Center versus the NBA’s other top teams, the Rockets are 9-1. Players such as Fred VanVleet are noticing.

With the Cavaliers down two points, Darius Garland, their potential All-Star guard and 90 percent free-throw shooter, sat alone at the line with the chance to give Cleveland the lead. Even if he failed to make all three free throws, Cleveland, via a Flagrant One on the Rockets, would have the ball with a chance to seal the game.

Having moved up to fifth in the Western Conference standings, the Los Angeles Lakers are in a tricky position leading up to the NBA trade deadline on Feb.

With Fred VanVleet out and Houston on night two of a road back-to-back, the Rockets had their five-game winning streak snapped in Sacramento.

These grades will take into account how each team's season has gone, yes, but also how those teams are doing relatively to both internal and external expectations. NBA midseason grades for every East team: Cavs earn 'A+,

Ja Morant might return from injury, and Rockets center Steven Adams will play in Memphis for the first time since the Grizzlies traded him last February.

Portland will try to end its four-game slide when the Portland Trail Blazers take on Houston. The teams meet Saturday for the first time this season.

Fred VanVleet is an American professional basketball player currently with the Houston Rockets. He played college basketball for Wichita State University before joining the NBA. VanVleet began his NBA career with the Toronto Raptors,

Houston (29-14, No. 2 in West) is the only team with wins this season over both the Thunder and Cavaliers, who are tied for the NBA’s best record.

Now halfway through the 2024-2025 NBA season, the Houston Rockets are in great position, sitting as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with a 27-13 record

A blowout loss to the Celtics should have the Warriors considering the path Boston took to become the powerhouse it is today.