Rockets Coach Udoka Vows to 'Play It Out' Regardless of Final Seeding

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka says the team will not try to manipulate their playoff seeding in the final games of the season.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:51am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the raw energy and intensity of an NBA basketball game with players' figures dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.The Rockets' commitment to 'play it out' rather than manipulate their playoff seeding reflects a straightforward, winning mentality that could pay dividends in the postseason.Denver Today

The Houston Rockets have clinched a playoff spot and are currently the fifth seed in the Western Conference. With the Los Angeles Lakers struggling due to Luka Doncic's injury, the Rockets could potentially try to manipulate their seeding to avoid a first-round matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka says the team will not try to do that and will instead 'play it out' and 'stay healthy' in the final games.

Why it matters

Seeding manipulation is a common tactic in the NBA, as teams try to position themselves for the most favorable playoff matchups. However, Udoka's comments suggest the Rockets are taking a more straightforward approach, focusing on playing good basketball and letting the chips fall where they may in terms of their final playoff positioning.

The details

The Rockets have won five straight games and are currently the fifth seed in the Western Conference, setting them up for a first-round matchup with the Denver Nuggets. With the Lakers struggling, the Rockets could try to drop to the sixth seed to avoid the Thunder until the Conference Finals. But Udoka says the team will 'play it out' and 'stay healthy' rather than manipulate their seeding.

  • The Rockets clinched a playoff spot on April 1, 2026.
  • The Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 140-106 on April 3, 2026.

The players

Ime Udoka

The head coach of the Houston Rockets.

Luka Doncic

The star player for the Los Angeles Lakers who is currently out indefinitely with a hamstring injury.

Denver Nuggets

The team the Rockets are currently set to face in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The team the Rockets could potentially avoid facing until the Conference Finals by manipulating their seeding.

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What they’re saying

“'We'll play it out. I think it's too tight to try to manipulate anything. We'll just stay healthy, take a look at a few more lineups and rotations and play consistently good basketball. Whatever happens with seeding will happen.'”

— Ime Udoka, Head Coach, Houston Rockets

What’s next

The Rockets will continue their regular season schedule, focusing on staying healthy and playing good basketball rather than trying to manipulate their playoff seeding.

The takeaway

The Rockets' decision to 'play it out' rather than manipulate their seeding shows a commitment to straightforward, winning basketball. This approach could pay dividends in the playoffs, as the team avoids potential pitfalls that can come with seeding manipulation.