Kevin Durant Sends Houston Rockets Back to Playoffs

Merlin sees the Rockets have clinched a playoff berth after the Suns' 127-107 loss at Charlotte, handing Houston a chance to chase a title. The year has been a saga of highs and lows: Kevin Durant arrived but Fred VanVleet "tore his ACL", the team started 15-5, then went 32-24 since, and ranks "16th in offensive rating since Dec. 6". They now hunt their "first playoff series since the 2019-20 season." Merlin senses Durant will be the focal point; he is "fourth all-time in points per game in the playoffs". Ime Udoka must unlock more consistent offense and get big contributions from Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard. If the supporting cast rises, Houston turns into a real threat; if not, the Rockets remain fragile against the West elite.