Rockets: Tactical system and injury problems.
The Rockets have not had a good season this season, not only because their system is a bit more defensive, but also because of the strength of their Western opponents and injuries. The combination of these factors has led to the Rockets' record being below 5 percent, but with the end of All-Star Weekend, the Rockets will welcome back three core players, which is undoubtedly good news for the Rockets.
The problem of the tactical system.
The Rockets' system has always been defense-oriented, which has been their strength in the past, and even the second best in the league. However, the current league is more and more focused on offense, and teams that don't attack are not destined to be a big deal. The Rockets' offense is also in the lower average, and if the Rockets can improve their offense, they could win 5-6 more games.
Injuries and illnesses.
The Rockets' injury situation this season has not been optimistic, first Amen, then Ethan, Dillon, VanVleet, Whitmore, Shin Jing, Smith, Landale, Bullock and other players have been sidelined. These injuries not only affected the team's combat effectiveness, but also affected the team's tacit understanding and cooperation. However, the good news is that after a seven-day All-Star weekend break, the Rockets will welcome back their three core-caliber players. VanVleet, Whitmore and Eason are all back after All-Star Weekend, which is undoubtedly good news for the Rockets.
The plight of the substitutes.
However, this is not good news for some substitutes and fringe players. It also means that the Rockets' fringe players and bench players have less playing time and even playing opportunities. In particular, the players from the Development League's two-way contracts — power forward Samueels, small forward Hinton and shooting guard Ginason Williams — are all likely to be sent straight back to the Development League. About a month ago, these three players were recalled by the Rockets from the Development League Vipers to fill the gaps in the roster, and now in recent games, Hinton and Williams have both entered the rotation and have had a decent "good" performance. Only Samuels didn't have many chances and didn't play much. It is necessary to devolve fringe players to the Development League. But considering that the Rockets are in the playoffs, keeping two players who have been in the rotation Hinton + Gunnarson Williams may be the safest move. After all, the Rockets' playoff tickets are much more important than the record of the Vipers in the Development League. In addition, Rockets coach Udoka can also keep the two players by his side and continue to review the two through training and games to see if they can convert their contracts to permanent contracts next season, or continue to sign them on a two-way contract and become bench alternates for the Rockets.
Epilogue. The Rockets' poor record this season is due to a number of reasons. The tactical system is more defensive, the offensive level is medium to low, the opponents in the west are strong, and the injury is troubled. But with the end of All-Star Weekend, the Rockets will welcome back three core players, which is undoubtedly good news for the Rockets. The Rockets need to improve their offensive level, strengthen their chemistry and cooperation, and maintain their health in order to achieve better results in the next games.