Long NBA Slumps: Houston Rockets Suffer Another Double-Digit Losing Streak
The Houston Rockets are currently experiencing the longest ongoing losing streak in the NBA, having lost an upsetting 10 games in a row. This abrupt downturn comes after the San Antonio Spurs managed to snap their own 16-game losing streak, making them the only team in the league without a double-digit winning streak.
Initially, the Rockets had halted a 13-game losing streak in January, marking a low point in their disastrous season when they endured a staggering 1-18 run. Regrettably, they've since fallen back into their slump, marking their second double-digit losing streak of the season.
The general manager of the Rockets, Rafael Stone, remains unfazed by their poor record, focusing instead on nurturing his inexperienced team. Stone aims to create a future championship team by developing homegrown players, pinning his hopes on the improvement he's witnessed in most of his young talents.
Head coach Stephen Silas has been entrusted with guiding the Rockets during a tumultuous rebuilding phase. However, his continued struggles could see him sidelined next season, as he's on course to lead the Rockets to the poorest record in the NBA in consecutive seasons. Predictions suggest the Rockets will close the season with an 18-64 record, according to FiveThirtyEight.
In Silas's debut season as Rockets' head coach, he managed a meager 17-55 record during a shortened 72-game season in 2021-22. The following season, Silas helmed the Rockets to a dismal 20-62 record, making them the worst team in the NBA.
The Rockets selected forward Jabari Smith, Jr., from Auburn in the 2022 NBA Draft with the third pick. Despite starting 58 games, Smith encountered challenges during his rookie season, averaging 11.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, placing him tied for the fourth-highest scorer on the team.
The Rockets continue to struggle, maintaining the worst record in the NBA with a 13-48 record. Despite their ineptitude, there is a silver lining: they are in contention with the Detroit Pistons (15-47) and San Antonio Spurs (15-47) for the chance to secure the top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Eagerly eyeing the future, the Rockets are particularly interested in center Victor Wembanyama, the French prodigy who has earned comparisons to Tim Duncan and Kevin Durant. Labeled as a "once in a generation" talent, Wembanyama could be the key to turning the Rockets' fortunes around.
Scouts are also excited about point guard Scoot Henderson from Georgia, who is honing his skills with the Ignite in the NBA G League. Henderson's play has sparked generous comparisons to former MVP Derrick Rose. If Wembanyama is seen as the standout big-man prospect in the upcoming draft, then Henderson is the most promising guard to emerge in several seasons.
Many teams would be overjoyed at the prospect of drafting Wembanyama or Henderson. However, the Rockets prefer a big man, given their surplus of talented young guards like leading scorer Jalen Green, Tyty Washington, Daishen Nix, and Kevin Porter, Jr.
If you're a sports bettor, the Rockets could be a smart bet to fade, as they continue to struggle against the spread (ATS). In fact, those who have consistently bet against the Rockets this season have won approximately 61% of their wagers.
The Rockets' poor ATS record extends to their road games, where they boast a dismal 5-27 record and a second-worst ATS record at 10-22. They also find it challenging to cover the spread in back-to-back games, managing a 2-7 record in such situations.
The Rockets will aim to break their losing streak on Wednesday when they host the Memphis Grizzlies, who currently sit in second place in the Western Conference but struggle on the road with an 11-18 record and a 9-19-1 ATS record.
The upcoming weekend will see the Rockets face a home/away back-to-back series against the San Antonio Spurs, setting the stage for a battle of ineptitude between the two worst teams in the Western Conference.
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