The Houston Rockets were in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race less than two months ago. Ime Udoka's squad is quickly falling closer to the conference cellar.
Houston, which dropped to 1-6 in its last seven games with Thursday's loss at the New Orleans Pelicans, enters Friday sitting No. 12 in the Western Conference at 24-31. The team's playoff chances appear increasingly slim on a number of fronts.
From a sheer standings perspective, the Rockets have an uphill climb ahead in the chase for the No.