The Houston Rockets are off to a scorching 16-6 start and currently sit third in the Western Conference standings - a position that demands attention. But if we’re being honest, they haven’t quite passed the final exam yet. Losses to the Thunder, Nuggets, and Spurs have raised a fair question: can Houston hang with the league’s elite when it matters most?
That answer might start to come into focus this week, as the Rockets are staring down a pair of showdowns with the defending champion Denver Nuggets. And just in time, they’re getting a key piece of their rotation back: Tari Eason.
Eason has been sidelined since November 14 with an oblique strain suffered against the Trail Blazers. Now, as Houston prepares for arguably its toughest stretch of the season, Eason’s return could be the spark they’ve been missing.
Why Eason’s Return Matters
Even in a limited 11-game sample before the injury, Eason was making his presence felt. He averaged 11.5 points, 5.2 boards, and 1.6 assists per game - solid numbers for a bench contributor - but it’s the efficiency and energy that really stood out. He was shooting an eye-popping 50.9% from three, and more importantly, bringing that relentless defensive intensity that has become his calling card.
The Rockets have held up well in his absence - better than most expected, in fact. They rank fourth in offensive rating, second in defensive rating, and fifth in points per game.
That’s not just good basketball - that’s contender-level production. But the margins tighten against top-tier opponents, and that’s where Eason’s versatility becomes invaluable.
Players like Reed Sheppard and Aaron Holiday have stepped up admirably, but neither offers the full two-way package that Eason brings. His ability to guard multiple positions, hit open threes, and crash the glass gives Houston a different gear - especially when the starters rest.
A Tough Test vs. Denver
The last time these two teams met, Denver edged out a 112-109 win. Reed Sheppard dropped 27 in that one, but the Nuggets’ bench outscored Houston’s 33-21 - a swing that proved decisive in a game where two Denver starters were held to single digits.
That’s exactly where someone like Eason can tilt the balance. He’s the kind of player who can swing a second unit’s momentum with a big defensive stop, a corner three, or a timely offensive rebound. Against a deep and disciplined team like the Nuggets, those moments matter.
Bigger Picture: Proving Ground
Let’s be clear - this week won’t decide Houston’s postseason fate. But it could tell us a lot about how ready this team is to take the next step.
The Thunder and Nuggets have set the bar in the West. If the Rockets want to be taken seriously as a true contender, these are the matchups where they need to show it.
With Eason back in the fold, Houston’s rotation gets a whole lot deeper, and their identity - built around defense, energy, and efficient scoring - gets a major boost. These next two games aren’t just about wins and losses.
They’re about sending a message: the Rockets aren’t just a feel-good early-season story. They’re here to compete with the best.
And now, with a full roster and a chance to measure themselves against the reigning champs, we’re about to find out just how real this Rockets team really is.