Before the season started, most fans and people who cover the NBA didn't expect the Houston Rockets to be in the running for a play-in spot or even close as the season progressed. Most people, however, did assume the Rockets would improve on their league-worst record last year.
Jalen Green had finished the 2021-22 season strong, tallying a career-high vs. the Atlanta Hawks. In addition, Alperen Sengun was coming off a strong rookie season, and the Rockets had drafted Jabari Smith, who for most of the offseason was considered the top prospect in the entire draft before falling to the Rockets at the number three spot.