Rockets Drop from 13th to 19th in CBS Sports Power Rankings

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  Sports and Competition on Thu, Nov 13th, 2025 by Sports Illustrated

Houston Rockets Slide in the Latest CBS Sports Power Rankings – A Detailed Summary

Sports Illustrated’s “OnSI” section has just released a new roundup of the most recent CBS Sports NBA power rankings, and the Houston Rockets have slipped noticeably in the hierarchy. The article, titled “Rockets Drop in CBS Sports Latest Power Rankings” (https://www.si.com/nba/rockets/onsi/news/rockets-drop-in-cbs-sports-latest-power-rankings), explains why the franchise has fallen from its earlier position, what that means for the rest of the season, and how the move lines up with broader league trends.

1. The Drop in Numbers

The headline of the piece is the Rockets’ fall from 13th to 19th place in the 2024 NBA power rankings. While the NBA’s mid‑season ranking system updates weekly, the Rockets’ slide is the most dramatic of the week, underscoring a steep decline in performance.

• Previous Rank: 13th (last week)
• Current Rank: 19th (latest week)
• Difference: –6 places

The article notes that the drop is largely tied to the team’s recent 5‑8 record and a string of tough losses that have eroded confidence in the roster’s chemistry.

2. Key Factors Behind the Decline

A. Injuries and Roster Instability

The piece cites injuries to several core players—most notably Jalen Green (sustained a sprain in his right foot) and Kevin Porter Jr. (an ankle injury that sidelines him for at least two weeks). It also touches on the uncertain return of veteran guard James Harden, who has struggled with lingering foot issues and hasn’t fully regained his pre‑season production.

B. Offensive Production Slump

The Rockets’ offensive rating has dipped from 110.1 (previous week) to 106.3, according to the article’s data table. Coach Mike D’Antoni’s signature fast‑break tempo has stalled, with the team’s field‑goal percentage slipping to .429 and points per game falling to 99.4—down from 105.7 the week before.

C. Defensive Gaps

Defensively, the Rockets have struggled to stay inside 100 points per game, with their defensive rating worsening from 106.8 to 109.4. The article points to a lack of cohesion on the perimeter and a failure to contain opponents’ best shooters.

D. Coaching Adjustments

Mike D’Antoni’s remarks in the article highlight an attempt to shuffle rotations to find a workable rhythm. However, the coaching staff’s late‑night adjustments have yet to translate into visible results on the court.

3. How the Rockets Stack Up Against the Competition

The article places the Rockets within the context of the broader league power rankings:

The Rockets’ drop places them just above the Sacramento Kings and below the Phoenix Suns, illustrating a steep competitive gap that the franchise must bridge.

4. Implications for the Rest of the Season

• Playoff Odds: The article forecasts that the Rockets’ playoff chances have dipped to “mid‑tier” territory, with a 45‑55% probability of making the postseason—down from 58‑42% last week.
• Draft Position: A lower ranking could improve Houston’s draft capital, giving them a better chance to snag high‑value picks in the 2024 NBA Draft.
• Fan Sentiment: The piece notes rising frustration among fans, citing social media threads where supporters call for “new leadership” and express concerns over the lack of a coherent strategy.

5. Related Content (Followed Links)

Power Rankings Page
The article links to the CBS Sports Power Rankings page (https://www.cbssports.com/nba/power-rankings/). That page offers a full leaderboard, game‑by‑game analysis, and a comparison feature where you can see how a team has moved week over week.

NBA Standings & Statistics
Another link points to the official NBA standings (https://www.nba.com/standings), which confirms the Rockets’ current win‑loss record and provides advanced metrics such as net rating, pace, and offensive/defensive efficiency.

Previous OnSI Article
The article references a previous “OnSI” piece titled “Rockets Look to Rebound After Hard Loss to Spurs” (https://www.si.com/nba/rockets/onsi/news/rockets-look-to-rebound-after-hard-loss-to-spurs). This earlier article gives additional context on how the loss to the San Antonio Spurs—an 110‑104 defeat—has affected the Rockets’ morale and ranking.

6. Final Takeaway

The Rockets’ fall in the CBS Sports power rankings underscores a season of growing pains for a franchise that is still attempting to rebuild its identity. Injuries, offensive inefficiencies, and defensive lapses have pushed Houston down from a respectable 13th place to a more precarious 19th. While the NBA’s power rankings are not the sole determinant of a team’s fortunes, they offer a snapshot of where the league stands and what hurdles remain. For the Rockets, the next step will be to stabilize the roster, re‑ignite the offensive spark that once made Houston a force, and regain footing among the league’s elite.

Read the full Sports Illustrated story here: https://www.si.com/nba/rockets/onsi/news/rockets-drop-in-cbs-sports-latest-power-rankings.