With six straight losses, the Houston Rockets (11-16) currently have the second-worst record in the Western Conference and are on the franchise’s longest losing streak since January 2013.
But there are clearly extenuating circumstances. In Monday’s loss at Washington, the Rockets were missing four of their top six rotation players in Christian Wood (right ankle sprain), Victor Oladipo (right foot strain), Eric Gordon (sore right groin), and PJ Tucker (left thigh contusion). Other than Wood, all are day-to-day and could return soon.
As a result, when floor general John Wall was asked postgame whether he believes the Rockets can still make a playoff push in the 2020-21 season, the five-time All-Star expressed optimism. Here’s what he said:
Yeah, for sure. I think there’s a lot of time left. The most important thing is getting guys healthy. …
Just keep fighting. It’s a hole that we’re in. We know it’s a process, and we’re rebuilding with a lot of people we added new. Getting rid of James [Harden] and adding a lot of young guys into the mix, and trying to get them to understand the game at a different level.
That’s my job as a leader, that will make the job easier for Coach [Stephen] Silas and the coaching staff. I believe in this organization and everything they’re doing, and the way we’re moving forward. I’ve got to keep continuing to be the leader when we’re losing and when we’re winning.
To Wall’s point, the mostly healthy Rockets were 7-1 in the eight games prior to Wood’s latest injury.
Now 30 years old, Wall is averaging 20.0 points and 6.2 assists in 30.8 minutes per game this season. The 6-foot-4 point guard led the Rockets with 29 points and 11 assists in Monday’s defeat.
He and the Rockets will look to end their losing streak on Wednesday night in Philadelphia. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Central.
