Houston Rockets are half a game out of Play-In Tournament position amid 9-game win streak

In Houston, Texas, Jalen Green continued his impressive streak of performances on Monday, scoring 27 points against the Portland Trail Blazers as the Houston Rockets secured their ninth consecutive victory. Despite missing out on back-to-back Western Conference Player of the Week awards, Green’s strong play contributed to the team’s success.

Center Jock Landale, filling in for Alperen Sengun, who was sidelined due to injury, made significant contributions with 17 points.

The win narrowed the gap between the Rockets and the 10th-place Golden State Warriors, who currently hold the final Play-In Tournament spot, to just a half-game as of Monday. With 11 games remaining in the season, Houston (36-35) has the opportunity to catch up to Golden State if they stumble against Miami on Tuesday.

During Green’s standout performances, questions have arisen about the coexistence of emerging talents like himself and Sengun. Sengun’s absence due to injury has allowed Houston to adapt their playing style to Green’s strengths, resulting in his increased scoring output.

Reports surfaced that the Rockets had explored trading Green and multiple first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for veteran swingman Mikal Bridges at the trade deadline, although Brooklyn ultimately rejected the proposal, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. However, neither Sports nor ESPN has independently verified this report.

As Green and Sengun approach the final year of their rookie contracts after this season, the Rockets will need to make decisions regarding potential contract extensions for both players.