Ime Udoka isn’t yet ready to make any changes to Houston’s usual starting lineup. But as the Rockets resume play Thursday in New Orleans after a week off for the NBA’s annual All-Star break, he’s making it clear that improvement from that group is sorely needed.
Fortunately, the Rockets have reinforcements on the way. Veteran point guard Fred VanVleet is back after missing five games with a left adductor strain, and that could potentially help guide young players such as Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun.
Rookie swingman Cam Whitmore is returning, as well, after sitting out Houston’s previous three games with a right ankle sprain.
But, is that enough to change results? It might not be, particularly when considering the upcoming schedule. Starting Thursday versus the Pelicans, Houston’s next six games are against New Orleans, Phoenix (three times), and Oklahoma City (twice). All are in the top six of the current Western Conference standings.
Four of those six are on the road, where Houston is just 5-21 this season, and they’ve lost six straight road contests overall.