The Rockets face a daunting schedule ahead, with five challenging games remaining against teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, and both Los Angeles teams. If the Rockets falter, they could easily find themselves in a precarious situation. Meanwhile, both the Lakers and Nuggets are neck and neck, and a single loss could significantly impact their standings. The Lakers hold a tie-breaking advantage over the Nuggets due to their head-to-head matchup and their status as the top team in the Pacific Division.
