OKC Thunder: NBA Power Rankings -Griffin buyout shifts ladder at half way mark

Houston Rockets:

Week 11: 0-2
Lost to: Cavaliers 90-101, Nets 114-132

Week 12 opponents: @Kings, @Jazz, Celtics

Offense: (105.7) 27th
Defense: (110.4) 11th
Net: (Minus -4.7) 25th

There are two teams the OKC Thunder will be actively monitoring with the Rockets being one. That’s because the Thunder will receive the Rockets first-round pick if they finish 26th or higher. Without Christian Wood in the mix, Houston has plummeted into the 28th (or third) spot although there are more than enough games remaining and several teams (including the Thunder) who could finish lower.

Wood has missed 13 games and been off the court since February 4th with a sprained ankle. The initial timeline for his recovery time was two to four weeks suggesting a grade two sprain. The month has passed so the presumptive thinking should find Wood returning shortly after the All-Star hiatus.

If he doesn’t, questions will arise on whether the team is purposely holding him out in order to help their tanking efforts.

Moving forward, the Rockets are expected to be big players at the deadline with several veterans offering value for contending teams and potential incoming picks for Houston in exchange for their services. Victor Oladipo, PJ Tucker, and Eric Gordon are the trio to keep an eye on.