The Latest Breaking News from Houston

NEW YORK — Jose Altuve stepped into the batter’s box, ready to lead off the game. Chants and very loud boos spilled from the stands at Yankee Stadium. But the boos quickly turned to cheers after Jameson Taillon drilled the seven-time All-Star in the elbow guard with his third pitch.

The Rockets had the NBA’s worst defense last season, and they addressed that deficiency by drafting versatile LSU forward Tari Eason at No. 17 overall on Thursday.

Duke forward Paolo Banchero is increasingly likely to be drafted tonight by the Rockets at No. 3 overall, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Orlando appears ready to select Jabari Smith Jr. at No. 1 and more projections on draft day.

In the early morning hours prior to the 2022 NBA draft, Duke’s Paolo Banchero stunningly emerged as a betting favorite to be picked at No. 1. Here’s what it might mean for the Rockets.

Here’s how to watch, along with what to watch for from a Rockets perspective, when the 2022 NBA draft tips off on Thursday night.

PHILADELPHIA — Is Daryl Morey bringing the Houston Rockets East to Philly?

Rafael Stone on Houston’s pre-draft approach: “That’s probably the biggest commonality that Tilman and I bring. We’re aggressive people. We’re going to call everybody 5,000 times.”

The NBA draft gets underway on Thursday night and the one of the biggest questions for hoops fans is: Where will Chet Holmgren land?