With Houston owning one of the NBA’s worst records, the 2022 playoffs are already off the table for the Rockets. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to still watch for in the final two weeks of the 2021-22 season.
Until the regular season’s conclusion on April 10, we’re regularly updating where the Rockets stand in relation to their closest competitors in the race for 2022 NBA draft lottery odds and positioning.
Houston owns two picks in this year’s first round: Their own, and one from Brooklyn. For purposes of these updates, we’re going to focus on teams (at the time of publication) within three games in either direction of both the Rockets and Nets in the standings.
After a second straight season at the bottom of the West, will the Rockets land another elite prospect such as Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith or Paolo Banchero for their troubles? Scroll on for the latest updates as of March 31, along with information on odds and tiebreaker scenarios.
Lottery Race Update: Kevin Porter Jr. knew his head was in the game, but Houston's PG made up for his regrettable triple-double with a clutch turnover to boost Kings, keep Rockets in 1st. Standings:
1. Orlando 20-57
1. Houston 20-57
3. Detroit 20-56
4. OKC 22-54
5. Indiana 25-52— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) March 31, 2022