For the first time, the Rockets are in the NBA’s abbreviated postseason at its annual summer league in Las Vegas. Based on a 4-0 start, Houston is one of four teams advancing to the playoffs, which consist of Sunday’s semifinals and Monday’s championship.
To get to Monday’s title game, summer-league head coach Ben Sullivan (lead assistant to Ime Udoka, in the regular season) needs to guide his young squad past a Utah Jazz group that has found similar success in Las Vegas — as shown by a matching 4-0 record.
The Rockets will again be short-handed, with rookie guard Amen Thompson (left ankle sprain) and second-year forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason (rest) sidelined. But in their absence, rookie prospect Cam Whitmore and two-way players Trevor Hudgins and Darius Days have picked up the slack and then some.
Based on lineups a few days ago, it looked like this matchup could become a star-studded rookie showdown between Whitmore and Utah’s Keyonte George, who was drafted a few picks prior to Whitmore at No. 16 overall in the 2023 first round. George has also excelled in Las Vegas as part of a strong start to his young career.
However, like Thompson, George is dealing with an ankle sprain and is now out for the remainder of summer league. That could present a clear path for Houston to advance to the title game.