The quirky scheduling gap courtesy of the NBA Cup allowed the Houston Rockets a respite and provided an opportunity for early-season reflection.

The Rockets host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday following a four-day hiatus since their 122-109 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. That setback came on the second night of a back-to-back and marked a second consecutive game without center Alperen Sengun, who is scheduled to return against the Clippers after being sidelined with an illness.

Despite having their rotation impacted by injuries over the first quarter of their schedule, the Rockets are currently fourth in the Western Conference. Their fast start is the byproduct of both a top-five offense and defense, and a testament to their cohesion after acquiring future Hall of F

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