2024 Houston Rockets playoffs picture after loss vs Minnesota Timberwolves (April 2): Updated standings, schedule and more

Despite their best efforts, the Houston Rockets were unable to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, extending their losing streak to two games. With only seven games remaining in the regular season, the Rockets will face the Golden State Warriors in their next game, which is considered to be a crucial match in their campaign.

Despite Houston taking an early lead against Minnesota, the Timberwolves mounted a strong comeback in the second quarter, fueled by Anthony Edwards’ impressive performance. The Rockets’ Jalen Green and his teammates put in their best effort to reduce the deficit, but ultimately fell short as the Timberwolves secured a 113-106 victory.

Green recorded 26 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while Fred VanVleet contributed 22 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Jabari Smith also had a strong performance with 18 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Cam Whitmore came off the bench and scored 14 points.

Houston Rockets’ Playoffs Hunt: Current Standings and Potential Matchups

Despite their recent loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Houston Rockets maintain a record of 38-37 for the season. They continue to hold the No. 11 spot in the Western Conference and are currently the only team outside of the top 10 that still has a chance to compete in the Play-In Tournament.

Despite the Golden State Warriors increasing their lead to three games tonight by outlasting the Dallas Mavericks, the Rockets still face a difficult task. Their only option at this point is to focus on winning as many games as they can.

Houston Rockets’ Playoff Schedule and Matchups

The Houston Rockets are left with seven remaining games on their schedule, three of which will take place at home. One of these games is their highly anticipated matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, which is arguably the most crucial game of the season. A victory against the Warriors would greatly increase their chances of overtaking them for the No. 10 spot.

Based on Tankathon’s analysis, the Rockets will face a more challenging schedule than the Warriors for the rest of the season. Their upcoming opponents include the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, and another matchup against the Jazz.

Houston Rockets’ Playoff Hopes: Can They Dethrone the Warriors?

Although the Houston Rockets have the ability to defeat the Golden State Warriors at the Toyota Center on Thursday night, it will undoubtedly be a challenging feat as they have suffered 12 consecutive losses against them. The last time they emerged victorious against Golden State was on Feb. 20, 2020, during James Harden’s tenure with the team.

It has been some time since the last encounter between the two teams. The Warriors emerged victorious over the Rockets on Oct. 29 and Nov. 30, but Houston’s lineup has since improved, although they are currently without the injured Alperen Sengun.