NBC Sports Says the Rockets Are Now a Top-Five NBA Team

The Houston Rockets are beginning to make believers out of national analysts. In its latest NBA power rankings, NBC Sports placed the Rockets at No. 4, marking one of the highest assessments the team has received since the peak years of the James Harden era. For fans in Houston, it’s another sign that the franchise’s patient rebuild is paying off—and the rest of the league is starting to take notice.

The national outlet highlighted the Rockets’ defensive strength, improved shot creation, and rapidly emerging young core as key reasons for the jump. With head coach Ime Udoka establishing a demanding and structured culture, the Rockets have transformed from a rebuilding squad into a legitimate playoff contender. NBC Sports credited the team’s consistency, physicality, and balanced play on both ends of the court.

Central to this surge has been the growth of players like Alperen Şengün and Jalen Green. Şengün continues to draw comparisons to elite playmaking bigs thanks to his versatile offensive game, while Green’s improved decision-making has given Houston a much-needed scoring punch. The additions of veterans such as Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks have also brought stability and leadership, supporting the team’s young talent.

Why It Matters

This ranking represents more than just media praise. It signals a reputation shift for Houston. For three seasons, the Rockets sat near the bottom of the Western Conference and focused heavily on player development. Now, with wins stacking up and analytics backing their progress, the team is entering a new phase—one where playoff expectations feel realistic, not hopeful.

For local fans, it means the Rockets are once again part of the national conversation. It also contributes to the city’s sports momentum after strong showings by both the Astros and Texans.

What’s Next

If the Rockets want to maintain a top-five ranking, they’ll need to continue winning key conference matchups and proving they can perform under pressure. The Western Conference remains stacked, but Houston’s foundation appears solid. If the upward trend continues, the Rockets could become one of the most compelling stories of the NBA season.

This article is a summary of reporting by Sports Illustrated. Read the full story here.