Houston Rockets: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

3 major concerns from the Rockets’ 1st back-to-back

The Houston Rockets’ hot start featured a stretch in which they played the fewest games in the league and none on back-to-back days. That changed this week, as the calendar flipped to December, with the Rockets’ first back-to-back test exposing several concerns moving forward.

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Report: Rockets Expected to Adjust Roster with Two-Way Signing

The Houston Rockets made a quiet roster move this week that carries strategic implications for the rest of the season. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Rockets waived veteran Kevon Harris in order to sign young forward Tyler Smith to a two-way contract.

NBA News / Field Level Media / December 2

Rockets welcome Kings after splitting first back-to-back

Nearly six weeks elapsed during the 2025-26 season before the Houston Rockets had to play their first back-to-back contests, a scheduling quirk that was objectively favorable.

Ime Udoka News / Houston Rockets on SI / December 2

Rockets' Ime Udoka Talks Jazz Loss, Key Performances From Reserves

In the latter half of the Houston Rockets' first back-to-back, they felt the full affect of the schedule in a 133-125 loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday night.

Cade Cunningham News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Last 40-point game by NBA franchise' quiz

How many of the players to score at least 40 points in a game for each NBA team can you name in five minutes?

The 'Active 50-point NBA games' quiz

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Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / December 2

Rockets' Record Prediction Increases After Preseason Forecast

The Houston Rockets were widely regarded as a title contender before the start of the season, so it isn't a surprise that they've gotten off to a 13-5 start this year.

NBA News / Yardbarker

Who is the most-iconic player for every NBA franchise?

Who is the best player in the history of every NBA franchise? That’s a tough question. Who is the most iconic player in the history of every NBA franchise?

NBA News / Hoops Wire / December 2

Rockets to sign Tyler Smith, waive Kevon Harris

The Rockets plan to sign forward Tyler Smith to a two-way deal and will waive guard Kevon Harris to make room, per Jake Fischer of The Stein Line/Bleacher Report.

Tyler Smith News / Hoops Rumors / December 2

Rockets plan to sign Tyler Smith to a two-way deal

The Houston Rockets intend to sign free-agent forward Tyler Smith to a two-way contract, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, who reports that Houston will waive guard Kevon Harris in order to open up a roster spot for the newcomer.

Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / December 2

High Scoring Can't Save The Rockets From Bad Defense

The Houston Rockets just lost a game that could be in contention for their worst loss of the season regardless of how the rest of the year goes. Many of the players came out flat offensively; Houston's top players scoring high point totals mostly through the high volume of opportunities they were taking.

Jae'Sean Tate News / Houston Rockets on SI / December 2

Jae’Sean Tate Still Providing Value for the Rockets Despite Smaller Role

Coming into a season in which Houston added players like Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Josh Okogie, Jae' Sean Tate knew playing time would be hard to come by for most of the season.

Alperen Sengun News / NBA on ClutchPoints / December 2

Rockets’ Alperen Sengun’s historic stat line wasted in loss to Jazz

The Houston Rockets fell short of their mission to complete a back-to-back set win over the Utah Jazz on Monday at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, but not before star big man Alperen Sengun put together an incredible individual stat line.

NBA News / The Dream Shake / December 2

Rancid Rockets Rolled By Jazz 133-125

This was without question the worst loss of the season. I had some fear that the Rockets, having beaten the Jazz soundly Sunday afternoon might go into the second game of the away/also-away-but-in-the-same-town, back-to-back with Utah a bit complacent, and might be at risk of dropping a game they really should win.

NBA News / The Dream Shake / December 1

Rockets Play Second Game of Double Header Against The Jazz

Location: Delta Center: Salt Lake City, Utah TV: Space City Home Network Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790 Online: Rockets App Gametime: 8:00 PM CST Rockets: Reed Shepard, A.

Kevin Durant News / Houston Rockets on SI / December 1

Kevin Durant’s Role Appears to Be Reduced, but It’s Perfect for the Rockets

There's no doubt that Kevin Durant has an argument for the most talented scorer in NBA history, and he isn't even retired yet. At 37 years old, the Slim Reaper can still get buckets in every which way and has a legitimate shot to get the Houston Rockets their first championship since 1995.

NBA News / Houston Rockets on SI / December 1

Rockets Rise, Challenge Thunder in NBC Sports' Latest NBA Power Rankings

At 13-4, the Houston Rockets have played the fewest games of any team in the NBA, but aside from the Oklahoma City Thunder, perhaps they've shown the most.

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Houston Rockets News / Houston Rockets on SI / December 1

Rockets Keeping Pace Despite Depth Injuries

As the Houston Rockets entered this season, they believed they were in possession of one of the league's deepest rosters. They have two certified stars in Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, a player with high potential in Amen Thompson, and a collection of impact players that star in their roles to support the team's efforts.

NBA News / Houston Rockets on SI / December 1

Both Rockets and Jazz Will be Without Centers Tonight

On Sunday night, the Houston Rockets took on the Utah Jazz, earning their thirteenth win of the season in blowout fashion. While the Jazz have been better than anticipated this season, the return of superstar Kevin Durant — mixed with Reed Sheppard's continued stellar play — was too much for Utah to handle.

Steven Adams News / Houston Rockets on SI / December 1

Rockets' Steven Adams Is Having a Career Year From the Free-Throw Line

Over his 12-year career, Steven Adams has been many things. He has been an enforcer, a great teammate, a mentor, a great screen setter, and one of the best rebounders in NBA history.

Tari Eason News / Houston Rockets on SI / December 1

Rockets' Tari Eason Listed in NBA's Top-100 Players

Houston Rockets wing Tari Eason had a bit of an interesting presser during Houston Rockets Media Day in September. Eason seemed understandably bothered and was a bit dejected.

NBA News / Houston Rockets on SI / December 1

What to Watch for in Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz Tonight

The Houston Rockets are off to yet another win-streak following their third consecutive win on the road and will now look for a fourth as they meet the Utah Jazz once again, just a day after their 129-101 contest.

Houston Rockets News / Last Word On Sports / December 1

Reed Sheppard Earns Starting Spot in Durant’s Triumphant Return

The Houston Rockets extended their strong start to the season with a dominant 129–101 win over the Utah Jazz, and the night delivered two clear storylines.

NBA News / Field Level Media / November 30

Surging Rockets keep rolling with thumping of Jazz

Alperen Sengun scored a game-high 27 points and Kevin Durant added 25 to lead the visiting Houston Rockets to a dominant 129-101 win over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Sunday.

Kevin Durant News / NBA on ClutchPoints / November 30

Kevin Durant can still get buckets at 37 — but there are warning signs

Many have called Kevin Durant the most gifted scorer in NBA history. But the question now is: how much longer can he keep it going? Now 37 years old, Durant is quietly posting some of the worst offensive numbers of his career, which has been overshadowed by the Rockets’ early success.

Houston Rockets News / Last Word On Sports / November 30

Is The Houston Rockets’ Bizarre 2025-26 Schedule A Trap?

The Houston Rockets will finally begin their first back-to-back of the 2025-26 NBA season on Sunday afternoon. It’s not the only quirk of Houston’s schedule so far, either.

Kevin Durant News / Athlon Sports / November 29

Rockets Announce Kevin Durant News on Saturday

The Houston Rockets have won two straight games and look like true title contenders early in the 2025–26 season. The team has shown its depth recently by getting it done on the road without forward Kevin Durant, who missed his first two games of the season due to a personal matter.