It had been a foregone conclusion for a while, yet the Rockets had reason to rejoice. With their 143-105 home victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, the Rockets (50-27) secured their first playoff berth in five years.

Oklahoma City enters a matchup against Houston after winning 11 straight road games. The teams square off Friday for the first time this season.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have gone nearly a month without a loss, an active 11-game win streak has turned the impossible into a plausible — can they be the third team in NBA history to reach 70 wins?

The Thunder are currently riding an 11-game winning streak atop the Western Conference standings, 14.5 games ahead of second-place Houston. Meanwhile, leading scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has all but wrapped up the NBA regular season MVP award, currently sitting with minus-3000 odds to bring home the honor.

VanVleet (ankle) has been cleared to play in Friday's game against the Thunder. After missing Wednesday's game against the Jazz due to an ankle issue, VanVleet will be back on the floor for the Rockets on Friday against the Thunder.

The Houston Rockets have just laid the blueprint for a proper rebuild right before our eyes. At 50-27, Houston just clinched a playoff spot after last night's 143-105 win over the Utah Jazz. The Rockets currently hold the second seed in the Western Conference.

For the Rockets, holding onto the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference may come down to these tie-breaker scenarios.

As we approach the climax of the NBA regular season, the Houston Rockets have emerged as a formidable force in the Western Conference, showcasing a level of play that has startled many analysts and fans alike. This article will explore the Rockets' journey through the season, their key players, and what lies ahead as the playoffs approach.