Two Banners, One Analytics Blueprint, and a Fresh Start…

By the Rockets Nightly Desk · Monday, October 19

The Rockets' two championships and their analytics-driven Harden years frame the team Ime Udoka brings into 2026-27. Houston opens Wednesday against Dallas, still chasing a third banner.

Rockets Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

1994-95

Hakeem Olajuwon led Houston to a then-record 58 wins and the franchise's first title in 1993-94, beating the Knicks in the Finals. With Clyde Drexler added, the Rockets repeated in 1994-95 by sweeping Orlando. Nothing since has matched those two banners, and every roster since has been measured against them.

2012-2020

Houston acquired James Harden in 2012 and, under Daryl Morey, became known for analytics in team-building and style of play. Harden played nine seasons without a losing record and led two trips to the Western Conference finals, both lost to Golden State. When Morey and Mike D'Antoni left before 2020-21, Harden asked for a trade to Brooklyn and a rebuild began.

Last season

Houston went 52-30 with a team rating of 5.4 that ranked sixth, an offense that ranked eighth and a defense that ranked fifth. Kevin Durant, acquired from Phoenix on July 6, 2025, scored 26.0 per game in 78 games. Sengun added 20.4 points and 6.2 assists. The Lakers ended the season, though Houston forced a game 6 after trailing 3-0.

This month

Preseason ended 2-1: a 135-117 win at Dallas, a 115-132 home loss to the Mavericks, then a 116-89 win over Thunder. Hoops Rumors reported Monday that Houston converted Oscar Tshiebwe and Julian Phillips to two-way deals and waived Sean Pedulla. October 19 has not been kind historically: the Rockets lost all four games played on that date, most recently 107-117 at Atlanta in 2022.

Wednesday

The regular season opens October 21 against the Mavericks. Houston carries a $205.5M payroll, above the $200.4M luxury tax line, led by Durant at $43.9M and Sengun at $35.6M. Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard are the homegrown pieces whose growth decides whether this ceiling rises past last spring's.

Next The opener is October 21 against Dallas, followed by a trip to San Antonio on October 23 (Prime Video). The Spurs rivalry dates to the 1981 playoffs.

How many championships have the Houston Rockets won?

The Rockets have won two NBA championships, in 1994 and 1995. Houston is still chasing a third.

When do the Rockets open the 2026-27 season?

Houston opens on October 21 at home against the Mavericks. Its next game is October 23 at the Spurs.

By the Rockets Nightly Desk, written from the club's data and the reports on file, with every name and number checked against them. How the desks work.