Rockets Struggle Heading Into All-Star Break

Houston's offense has plummeted since January 1st, putting their playoff positioning in jeopardy.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Houston Rockets went 1-1 last week, splitting a pair of games against the Los Angeles Clippers. They enter the All-Star break with a 33-20 record, good for fourth in the Western Conference, but their offensive production has dropped significantly since the start of the new year. The Rockets will look to rebound after the break when they visit the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks.

Why it matters

The Rockets' recent struggles on offense have put their playoff positioning in the Western Conference at risk, as they are only a half-game ahead of the fifth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers. With the trade deadline passed, the Rockets will have to find a way to turn things around with the roster they have.

The details

Since January 1st, the Rockets have fallen to 16th in the league in net rating at +0.2, 25th in offensive rating at 111.1, and 8th in defensive rating at 110.9. They still lead the league in offensive rating since January 1st at 38.4%, despite losing starting center Steven Adams for the season. The Rockets have an open roster spot and $1.255 million in salary cap space, but the options to add help are limited.

  • The Rockets went 1-1 last week, defeating the Clippers 102-95 on Tuesday and losing 105-102 on Wednesday.
  • The Rockets are off until Thursday, February 20th, when they'll visit the Charlotte Hornets.
  • The Rockets will then travel to New York to face the Knicks on Saturday, February 22nd.

The players

Alperen Sengun

Rockets center who participated in All-Star Weekend festivities.

Kevin Durant

Rockets forward who also participated in All-Star Weekend.

Reed Sheppard

Rockets player who took part in All-Star Weekend events.

Fred VanVleet

Rockets starting point guard who is recovering from an injury and may return this season, though an early return would be a challenge.

Steven Adams

Rockets center who is out for the season due to injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Rockets' offensive struggles since the start of the new year have put their playoff positioning in jeopardy, and with limited options to add help at the trade deadline, they will have to find a way to turn things around with the roster they have in order to secure a favorable seed in the Western Conference playoffs.