Let’s all take a deep breath. Breathe in, breathe out, and AAAAAAAAAAAA.

In case you missed the Rockets’ game against the Denver Nuggets, I think the fact that I am starting the article off with breathing exercises shows how it went. Now before anyone tries to make excuses for the loss since it was the second night of a back-to-back and Denver is in high altitude, just save your excuses as a team that entered the season with contention aspirations should not be getting embarrassed like this for the second time in less than seven days.

The game was close heading into halftime, with both teams making mistakes, as both Denver and Houston were turning the ball over. The difference, however, was the shooting. Amen Thompson started the game by missing his first four shots, and going into the second quarter, nobody on the Rockets had scored more than nine points. However, in the second, it appeared that Amen had something going as he then made all four of his next shots. Thompson finished the game with 16 points, four assists, five rebounds, and a steal while shooting 8/14 from the field and 0/1 from the free-throw line. Jabari Smith Jr. only scored two more points after scoring nine in the first quarter, but shot relatively well, going 5/10 overall and 1/2 from three. Both Sengun and KD had mediocre to bad games, and honestly, the only reason I am saying their games weren’t outright bad was that their efficiency shooting not at the free throw line was decent (I will get to the free throw shooting), with both going 5/8 from the floor. However, both Durant and Sengun turned the ball over at least twice.

Perhaps the worst aspect of this game was the poor free-throw shooting. Now, correct me if I am wrong, but free throws are called what they are because the points are supposed to be FREE. With that in mind, how on earth do you go 5/14 for 35.7%? I legitimately believe I could have made more free throws than that, and I quit basketball in the sixth grade when I couldn’t make a layup.

If the free-throw shooting was the worst aspect, then the three-point shooting would definitely be the second worst. Up until the second part of the fourth quarter, the Rockets were in contention to break the record for the fewest threes made as they had made just two threes in over 36 minutes of basketball. I honestly believe the kids I teach after school could have made more threes, and most of them are under the age of ten. Honestly the best part about this game is that it is over.

Houston will look to turn things around on Friday versus the Pelicans at home, and for everyone’s sake, but especially my therapist, they will hopefully look much better back on their home court after a bit of rest.

Houston Rockets vs Denver Nuggets

March 11, 2026

Location: Ball Arena – Denver, Colorado

TV: ESPN

Radio: KBME Sports Talk 790

Online: Rockets App, SCHN+

Time 9:00 CST

Probable Starting Lineups

Rockets: Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun

Nuggets:  Jamal Murray (GTD), Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson (GTD), Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokić 

Earlier this week, NBA.com released an article talking about this season’s MVP race. Obviously, the race is headlined with names like Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous Alexander, but another player who many fans who aren’t as tuned in to the NBA would not expect has emerged onto the list. That player is Kevin Durant. Durant comes in this week at ninth behind Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Cade Cunningham, Victor Wembenyama, Jaylen Brown, Luka Doncic, and Donovan Mitchell.

Naturally, Durant deserves praise for his prowess as one of the game’s all-time scorers, but he also deserves praise for his ability to play at a high level even at 37. Even though players like LeBron and Curry, who are also having successful seasons, and have multiple MVPS aren’t even on Durant’s level this year.

The four-time scoring champion is currently in the top ten with a 51% overall and 40.1% 3-point shooting percentage. He continues to lead double-teams. He has only missed four games. Additionally, he has the Houston Rockets comfortably above the sixth-place cutoff and in the middle of the Western Conference playoff hunt.

The important statistic is that Durant, who is currently in his 18th season, has averaged at least 26 points each season for each of the teams he has played for, including the Thunder, Warriors, Nets, Suns, and now the Rockets. His first season in Seattle, which naturally led to a relocation to Oklahoma City the following season, was the only other occasion in his career that he failed to average 25 points per game. Additionally, he averages 51% for the Rockets and has made at least half of his shots in a season for every franchise. He is scoring with incredible efficiency. Additonally even though the Rockets are undefeated without Kevin Durant playing its a small sample size and against lesser opponents in the Indiana Pacers, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors.

Obviously, Durant winning MVP is far from likely, but there’s no debate that he has been integral to the Rockets this season.

Something has been in the air lately, almost like a bug—or perhaps an injury bug? Jokes aside, both Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. have had ankle injuries in recent games. Amen hurt his ankle in Monday’s game against the Washington Wizards, while Jabari was injured during last Thursday’s game against the Orlando Magic.

Houston’s upcoming injury report is anticipated to include an official severity update for Amen, and Jabari’s comeback is anticipated on Thursday when Houston plays the Golden State Warriors. Smith and Thompson are both dealing with ankle issues, which is testing Houston’s depth. The coaching staff has been compelled to experiment with lineup combinations, increasing the responsibility of secondary scorers and bench contributions. The absence of two young building blocks also affects chemistry. Thompson and Smith make up the squad’s long-term core; their extended absence disrupts the team’s identity-building process.

Luckily for Houston, neither injury is currently believed to be a season-ending one. Both players remain vital to the Rockets’ present and future objectives. Thompson’s top priorities will be steadiness and regaining confidence when going downhill. Smith’s main goal is to ensure that the ankle is strong enough to endure defensive shifts and heavy minute workloads. As the season goes on, both talent and health might determine the Rockets’ destiny. Houston will have two dynamic players who can alter the tempo of a game on any given night if Smith and Thompson heal completely. Without Thompson and Smith, expect more minutes from members of the “stay ready crew” such as Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green, along with Reed Sheppard starting.

The Rockets will be back in action Thursday at 6:30 pm as they take on the Orlando Magic at Toyota Center. You can watch the game on SCHN, and as always, be sure to check back at The Dream Shake for both pre- and post-game content.

Houston’s effective offense and solid board play allowed them to take a commanding early lead, going up to 18 points in the first three quarters.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Knicks were behind 91-75, but they totally turned the tide thanks to defense and clutch shots, pulling off one of their largest comebacks of the year. After Houston had a sizeable lead going into the fourth quarter, the Knicks began to run away with the game as Houston began to turn the ball over.

After being smothered for the first three quarters, Jalen Brunson made a midrange jump shot over Tari Eason to take the lead with 29 seconds remaining, tying the score at 103. In all honesty, Brunson really came alive in the fourth and had a tremendous final quarter. A jump shot that would have knotted the game was missed by Kevin Durant. Jabari Smith Jr. missed a contested 3-pointer after Houston grabbed the offensive rebound, causing the Rockets to intentionally foul.

Before Durant’s 3-pointer, Houston was behind by four points. Durant had another chance, a near half-court heave that missed, but the Knicks made one of their two free throws, sealing a heartbreaking 108-106 defeat.

Despite leading Houston with 30 points, Durant had a terrible fourth quarter, shooting only 2-for-7 and causing three of Houston’s nine turnovers.In the fourth quarter, the Rockets’ field goal percentage was 27.8%. After three quarters with 12 points on 2-for-8 shooting, Brunson finished with 20 points after making all four of his baskets in the last quarter. New York was led by Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored 25 points. Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr. made significant contributions that helped Houston manage rebounds and transition offense.

Rockets will look to get back on track Monday as they return to Toyota Center to take on the Utah Jazz at 8:30. As always, make sure to check back here at the Dreamshake for pre- and postgame coverage.

Earlier this week, CBS released their post trade deadline NBA front office rankings. To nobody’s surprise, the Oklahoma City Thunder came in at first, but what was surprising to me is that only one other team (Boston Celtics) ranked above the Houston Rockets, which means that they’re the second-highest-ranked front office in the Western Conference, surpassing the San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Houston was placed behind OKC because of Oklahoma’s near flawless roster construction. From acquirng Shai Gilgeous Alexander in the Paul George deal to selecting rotation players such as AJ Mitchell with 38th pick, to acquiring Isiah Hartnstein on a frontloaded contract to allow them more flexibility when their core becomes due for extensions to even curating their own head coach in the G Leauge, its safe to say OKC is putting on a front office masterclass, which makes sense when you factor in OKC’s near flawless roster building.

Houston was also placed below Boston, but this is likely giving the Celtics front office a lot of credit for how they have revamped their team in the wake of the Jayson Tatum injury. “Last May, the Celtics were staring down a half-billion-dollar payroll with their historic repeater tax bill factored in. They’ve since managed to not only get below the second apron, but duck the luxury tax entirely without giving away a single first-round pick to do it.”

CBS ended up ranking Houston ahead of San Antonio, which is surprising considering their draft history in recent memory. However, author Sam Quin admitted to not factoring in draft lottery luck in prior rankings, and stated that “But we can’t ignore the reality that the foundation of their success right now hinged on the lottery. If they win a championship in the near future, that will be the single biggest reason why. If Houston wins a championship in the near future, it will have less to do with luck.” Additonally, Houston passing on Stephon Castle for Reed Sheppard is starting to make more sense, as Reed is having an excellent Sophomore season.

Houston returns from the All-Star break to play the Hornets in Charlotte at 6:00 p.m. Central, and you can catch the game on SPCHN or NBA League Pass. As always,be sure to check back here at the Dreamshake for pre- and post-game coverage.

Earlier this week, ESPN released its post-trade-deadline updated power rankings. Houston came in at the number seven spot, slipping one spot from their previously held sixth spot. This puts Houston behind the Thunder, Spurs, and Nuggets in the Western Conference and behind the Pistons, Knicks, and Celtics in the Eastern Conference.

NBA.com cited Houston’s very close win versus the Pacers and two consecutive home losses (Feb 4 versus Boston and February 5 versus Charlotte) as a reason for the demotion in the rankings. Additonally, the inactivity at the trade deadline also played a part as fans and media alike were left confused. Despite this, head coach Ime Udoka and General Manager Rafael Stone still feel confident in this team despite the lack of a traditional starting point guard.

Houston likely would have been ranked lower if not for their win Saturday versus the OKC Thunder, a game where Alperen Sengun had his second tripple-double of the season, and Tari Eason had his best performance of the season, scoring 26 points and grabbing 8 rebounds.

Looking at the stats, the ranking does make sense. Houston ranks ninth in offensive rating at 117.1 and fourth in defense rating at 112.0, according to NBA.com. Houston also still ranks first in offensive rebound percentage, but that may change with the absence of center Steven Adams for the remainder of the season.

It is unclear what will happen after the All-Star Break, as Houston will hopefully get some much-deserved rest. If you want to catch your Houston Rockets during All-Star weekend, make sure to tune into Peacock for Friday’s events along with NBA League Pass, and NBC for Saturday and Sunday’s events. Reed Sheppard will be competing Friday in the Rising Stars game, and Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant will be competing Sunday in the All-Star game, with Sengun playing on Team World and Durant on Team USA

After OKC’s Shai-Gilegous Alexander sustained an abdominal strain, which will sideline him till after the All-Star break, it was said that there would need to be a replacement. Early Sunday, it was revealed that NBA commissioner Adam Silver selected Rockets center Alperen Sengun to be SGA’s replacement. It is important to note that this year the NBA is using a new format. This season, there will be three teams competing in the 75th NBA All-Star Game, in a novel round-robin format: two teams of American players (USA Stars and USA Stripes) and one international team, Team World. Four 12-minute games will be played between the teams. The event will take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, February 15, so it was crucial that SGA’s replacement would be an international player since SGA is from Canada.

Last week, Silver also named Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers to the All-Star team as an injury replacement because in order to guarantee that each side would have the necessary minimum of eight players, Leonard was required to bring the overall number of U.S. All-Stars for the new U.S. vs. World format to the required 16.

Şengün is making his second consecutive appearance on the All-Star team. Throughout the season, the 23-year-old has averaged 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. Along with Nikola Jokić of the Nuggets and Jalen Johnson of the Hawks, Sengun is one of three players who have averaged at least 20.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists this season. Additionally, both players were chosen to play in the All-Star Game.

Şengün will play alongside Kevin Durant, a forward for the Rockets. The Rockets are one of the clubs with several All-Stars, along with the Pistons, Lakers, Knicks, and Nuggets. Durant will be a member of the USA Stripes. In his debut season with the Rockets, Durant has averaged 25.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. 32-19 is the Rockets’ record.

Houston will play its second-to-last game before the All-Star break at home on Tuesday at 7:00 versus the Clippers. As always, be sure to check out The DreamShake for pre- and post-game coverage.

Houston Rockets VS Boston Celtics

February 4, 2026

Location: Toyota Center — Houston, Texas

TV: SCHN

Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790

Online: Rockets App, SCHN+

Time: 7:00 PM CST

Projected Starting Lineups

Houston:

Amen Thompson

Tari Eason

Kevin Durant

Jabari Smith Jr.

Alperen Sengun

Boston:

 Derrick White

Baylor Scheierman

Jaylen Brown

Sam Hauser

Neemias Queta