Houston Rockets Enter New Stretch With One Major Weakness Still Looming

The Houston Rockets have made clear progress this season, yet one issue continues to follow them and, according to local analysts, could ultimately determine how far this young roster goes. As the team pushes deeper into the schedule, their ongoing struggle with consistent outside shooting has become harder to ignore for fans across Houston.

The Rockets' Most Pressing Weakness

Houston's defensive improvements stand out, and the roster has matured under coach Ime Udoka. However, the team still ranks near the bottom of the league in three-point accuracy. That problem limits spacing and reduces the impact of the team’s best playmakers.

While the Rockets generate open looks at a healthy rate, those shots rarely fall at the level needed to keep pace with high-powered offenses around the Western Conference. As a result, opposing defenses often clog the interior and challenge Houston to beat them from deep.

Several players have shown flashes, but the team continues to search for a reliable perimeter threat who can lift the offense during cold spells. Because the Rockets lean heavily on ball movement, missed threes often slow their rhythm and create transition opportunities for opponents.

Why It Matters for the Houston Rockets

This weakness impacts more than just box scores. It changes how defenses treat Houston’s half-court sets and reduces the space available for key scorers like Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet, and Alperen Sengun. When defenses shrink the floor, the Rockets struggle to attack the paint, which is normally an advantage for this roster.

Improved shooting would also help Houston close close games. Their defense frequently keeps them competitive, but late-game possessions stall when defenders ignore their perimeter threats.

What’s Next for Houston

The front office could look for internal growth first. Several young players are taking more threes and working on quicker releases. If that development does not come fast enough, the team may explore trade options before the deadline to add a veteran shooter who can stretch the floor.

As the playoff race tightens, Houston’s identity will remain defense-first. Yet the ceiling for this group depends on balancing that toughness with reliable perimeter scoring.

This article is a summary of reporting by Space City Scoop. Read the full story here.