The Houston Rockets are fighting for their Play-In Tournament lives in the second half of the season as the team sits 4.5 games back in the Western Conference race.
Despite only winning one of their first three games after the All-Star Break, the Rockets are moving up in this week's power rankings. The team now sits at No. 20 after landing at No. 22 the previous week.
"Fred VanVleet returned to the starting lineup this week, averaging 17 points and five assists on 40% 3-point shooting as the Rockets went 1-2," CBS Sports writes. "His presence didn't negatively affect Amen Thompson either, as the rookie moved back to the bench but still averaged 14 points, seven rebounds and nearly three blocks per game."
If the Rockets want to make a push for the Play-In, VanVleet and Thompson will be key, as is almost everyone on the roster. However, good guard play helps at this time of year, and it was apparent that the team missed VanVleet when he was out with an injury just before the All-Star Break. His return, coupled with Thompson's resurgence, is necessary if the Rockets want any chance to play bonus basketball this season.
The Rockets are back in action tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 9 p.m. CT on TNT. Then, they head to Arizona for a pair of games against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday and Saturday.
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