Latest news and updates about the Rockets
Former NBA forward Josh Smith argues that Kevin McHale’s choice to bench James Harden during the Rockets’ 2015 playoff comeback against the Clippers was a key factor that led to McHale’s firing the next season. Smith links the controversial decision directly to the coach’s dismissal, suggesting the move cost Houston its postseason momentum.
Kyrie Irving powers the Dallas Mavericks to a 116-111 win over the Houston Rockets, dropping 35 points, 4 rebounds and 9 assists in his fifth game back from a torn ACL. For the first time in his last four outings, Irving says he stopped worrying about his left knee, playing 34:53 minutes and scoring 26 points after halftime. He praised the coaching staff’s minute restrictions and expressed confidence he can still unlock more of his game. Cooper Flagg added 33 points as Dallas improves to 4-2 and looks ahead to a matchup with the Sacramento Kings on Monday.
The Houston Rockets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-98 behind Jabari Smith Jr., who had 30 points and nine rebounds on Saturday night. The post Jabari Smith Jr. drops 30 as Rockets dominate Thunder 119-98 appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
Former NBA Coach of the Year Sam Mitchell argues the Houston Rockets should trade for 34‑year‑old Kyrie Irving, saying his playmaking could make the Rockets "virtually unbeatable" in the West. Mitchell even suggests Dallas could fetch two first‑round picks despite Irving's injury history. While Irving's $39.4 million salary and Houston’s cap space pose hurdles, the Rockets could package assets like Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason. Although Irving is happy in Dallas and the Mavericks deny trade talks, Mitchell’s bold claim fuels speculation about a potential Durant‑Irving duo in Houston.
The Houston Rockets pull away from the Oklahoma City Thunder, building a 110-86 lead midway through the fourth quarter. Jabari Smith Jr. tops the box score with 30 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while bench scorer Tari Eason steals the spotlight with a monster dunk over Adam Mara in the third quarter. Eason adds eight points, three rebounds and two assists. Marcus Smart contributes 24 points on 7‑10 shooting, and the win pushes Houston to a 6‑1 start, briefly leading the Western Conference.
Sam Mitchell thinks it might be game over for the rest of the NBA if the Rockets get Kyrie Irving.
The Oklahoma City Thunder head to Houston on Saturday, Oct. 31, for an 8:30 PM ET Western Conference clash against the Rockets. Both teams come off recent losses to Dallas (Thunder 120‑96, Rockets 116‑111) and will rely on stars—Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander for OKC and Kevin Durant, with frontcourt aid from Alperen Sengün, for Houston. The game airs on NBA TV and Space City Home Network, and streams live on Fubo (free trial available). Home‑court advantage favors the Rockets, but the Thunder’s offense and defense aim to rebound and snap their slump.
Luke Kornet, a key backup for the Spurs during their Finals run, struggles early this season, averaging just 2.4 points on 36.4% shooting and posting a team‑worst minus‑8 rating in a recent overtime win at Utah. Coach Mitch Johnson defends him, blaming the four‑man rotation rather than Kornet alone, and reaffirms his contract through next season with a $9.35 MM option for 2028/29 despite fans urging a switch to rookie Tarris Reed Jr. Meanwhile, veteran Keldon Johnson mentors the Spurs' new rookies, Alperen Sengun returns for the Rockets after back soreness, and the Pelicans evaluate rookie Bennedict Mathurin and newcomer Trendon Watford after a rocky start.
The Boston Celtics list center Mitchell Robinson as questionable (rest) for Sunday’s game against the Orlando Magic, with Devin Carter still out due to illness. Robinson, who hasn’t missed a game this season, could sit out the back‑to‑back matchup but may return for Monday’s contest versus the Houston Rockets. He’s averaging 6.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 20 minutes, down from 8.8 rebounds last year, and the team has been outscored by 26 points when he’s on the floor. Coach Joe Mazzulla says roster decisions will depend on health and competitiveness.
The Houston Rockets aim to rebound tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Toyota Center (7:30 PM CST, NBA TV). After a recent loss, the Rockets will start Marcus Smart, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, while the Thunder field Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Jared McCain, Ajay Mitchell, Kenrich Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein. Tune in to see if Durant and the lineup can snap the skid.
This season is a crucial one for the Rockets. However, it does seem that they have put last year behind.
Kendrick Perkins declares Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg a top‑10 NBA talent after the 19‑year‑old posted 33 points, nine rebounds and six assists in a 116‑111 win over the previously unbeaten Houston Rockets. Flagg is now averaging 26.8 points, 6.6 assists and 6 rebounds in his first five games of the 2026‑27 season, shooting 55.7% overall. Perkins praised Flagg’s offensive versatility, point‑forward play, and defensive impact, saying his all‑around game already places him among the league’s elite despite his youth. The Mavericks look to build on the strong start as they face the winless Sacramento Kings next.
Kyrie Irving drops a season‑high 35 points as Dallas beats the Rockets 101‑96, handing Houston its first loss. Irving and rookie Cooper Flagg combine for 68 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds, with 27 of those points coming in the fourth quarter. French No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher adds 12 points and defensive spark off the bench, while veteran Caleb Martin fuels a 13‑point fourth‑quarter surge. Coach Dusty May notes Santi Aldama is close to returning from knee surgery and Dereck Lively II remains a bench energizer despite a foot injury. The win marks the Mavs’ third straight victory.
Stephen A. Smith asserts that the Oklahoma City Thunder’s title hopes are shattered after Jalen Williams suffers a season‑ending fibula fracture and dislocated ankle, while rookie Cason Wallace also goes down. Adding to the woes, All‑Star Chet Holmgren is sidelined indefinitely with right‑knee tendinitis, expected to miss 8–10 weeks. Smith notes the injuries make a Western Conference run unlikely, even with Ajay Mitchell’s recent 30‑point burst and Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander’s play. The Thunder now face the Houston Rockets on Saturday.
The Houston Rockets exercised Reed Sheppard’s fourth‑year option, guaranteeing him just over $14 million for the 2027‑28 season. After a shaky rookie year, Sheppard has clawed his way back into the rotation as Fred VanVleet’s backup and now sees most of his snaps off the ball following the addition of VanVleet and free‑agent Marcus Smart. Coach Ime Udoka says Sheppard must improve his pick‑and‑roll game and shooting efficiency, but his versatility as a scorer, playmaker and perimeter defender gives him upside. Minor injuries—a left knee issue on Oct. 23 versus the Spurs and a back strain against Dallas—haven’t been serious, yet they could affect his performance as the Rockets decide his long‑term role.
The Memphis Grizzlies have defied rebuilding expectations by starting the 2026‑27 season 5‑0, the NBA's only unbeaten team after a 21‑point win over the Trail Blazers. Rookie No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer posted a triple‑double (18‑12‑12) and praised the squad’s toughness, while Ty Jerome, the Western Conference Player of the Week, highlighted the impact of new additions like Jerami Grant and Isaiah Stewart. Coach Tuomas Iisalo’s 11‑man rotation is delivering depth and resilience, echoing the franchise’s only other 5‑0 start in 2014‑15. Though not yet labeled contenders, the young, deep roster is playing with confidence and could surprise the league.
The Houston Rockets host the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Toyota Center on Saturday, October 31, at 8:30 p.m. ET.
After a 116-111 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, a SiriusXM NBA Radio analyst urges the Houston Rockets to trade for Kyrie Irving. Irving posted 35 points, 9 assists and five threes, prompting Sam Mitchell to argue he could be acquired for as little as two first‑round picks and instantly elevate Houston in a weakened Western Conference. Mitchell highlights Irving’s post‑injury resurgence and notes the move would reunite him with former teammate Kevin Durant, now with the Phoenix Suns. The analyst contends that adding the 34‑year‑old guard could make the Rockets unstoppable this season.
Lively remains out after right foot surgery, but May singled out his energy on the bench and Flagg called him one of the loudest voices every night.
Risacher had 3 steals and a block off the bench and now has 22 combined steals and blocks, second in the NBA behind Victor Wembanyama.
Marshall has not practiced since getting sick, and Dusty May said the forward has two days to regain his conditioning before Sacramento visits.
Kevin Durant and the Rockets look like one of the best teams in the league and have the best offense, compounding the Suns' current misery.
Gafford became the second Maverick to open a season with six straight multi-block games, joining Shawn Bradley, and went 3-for-3 from the field in the fourth quarter.
Irving and Flagg combined for 68 points, 27 of them in the fourth quarter, giving Dallas two 30-point scorers in one game for the first time since February.
Flagg's 1,607 points through 75 games trail only Luka Dončić in franchise history, and his late jumper put Dallas up four with 24.3 seconds left.