Winning 48 games and finishing with the sixth-best net rating in the NBA (plus-4.7) is a positive sign. New head coach Tuomas Iisalo might help unlock the best versions of Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.

That's what happened though when the Rockets faced the Warriors. Vegas proved yet again that it's usually right. There were a lot of reasons for the Rockets' early exit. Jalen Green disappeared all but one of the 7 games.

The Houston Rockets' success as a playoff team hasn't slowed down any anticipation regarding the offseason. The Rockets find themselves in a unique position—arm