NBA Power Rankings Week 8: The Phoenix Suns are rising

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - DECEMBER 31: Mike Conley #10 of the Utah Jazz drives into Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 31, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

9 of 31

(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

. 11-15. Previous: 13th. Houston Rockets. 23. team. 169

Last Week: Lost to Charlotte Hornets 119-94, Lost to New Orleans Pelicans 130-101, Lost to Miami Heat 101-94, Lost to New York Knicks 121-99

This Week: 2/15 at Washington Wizards, 2/17 at Philadelphia 76ers, 2/19 vs. Dallas Mavericks, 2/20 vs. Indiana Pacers

Losers of five in a row, the optimism around the Houston Rockets has truly dissipated. They have slid back down to seventh in defensive rating. With Christian Wood sidelined for a few weeks, the offense does not seem capable of picking up the slack the defense has left.

Unsurprisingly, John Wall, Eric Gordon and Victor Oladipo each missed at least one game this week, not helping matters for a team struggling to find a consistent offensive flow. To take a break from the negativity, Wall and Gordon have looked very good when they are on the court. Wall averaged 22.7 points, 5.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game and has unexpectedly made the Rockets look like undeniable winners in the trade of Russell Westbrook.

Eric Gordon is having a great bounce-back season and is living up to the contract extension he was given. Last season was a rough one for him, but more weeks where he averages 21.3 points and 4.3 assists a night would be a welcome sight (especially if his efficiency would go back up).

Ultimately, the label that had Houston as the land of misfit toys as a compliment was fun while it lasted. The Rockets are a team full of castoffs that at times play well, but without their best player in the lineup, and often times even more struggling to stay healthy, the losses should be expected to continue.