The Rockets have returned from the All-Star break with back-to-back losses - a 119-111 defeat to Orlando on Friday and a 99-98 loss to the Clippers on Sunday night.
A buzzer-beater by former Rocket Kelly Olynyk in overtime on Sunday night lifted the Detroit Pistons past the Charlotte Hornets, putting the Pistons (15-46) and Rockets (15-45) in a virtual tie for the second seed in the Tankathon standings. Even the Orlando Magic (14-47) are within the Rockets' reach for the worst record in basketball.
The Rockets have lost nine in a row, and are in the middle of their second-longest losing streak of their season, surpassing their eight-game losing streak spanning from Dec, 20 to Jan.