The Houston Rockets have formally guaranteed a top-three seed in the 2025 Western Conference playoffs after their thrilling victory against the Golden State Warriors. They are now in a position to secure the much sought-after No. 2 seed.
The Rockets have secured home-court advantage for at least the first round of the playoffs, which is scheduled to start on April 19 or 20. Their victory on Sunday improved their record to 52-27. With a 29-11 record at Toyota Center and a great home record this season, they are well-positioned for a postseason run.
Houston is currently comfortably ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers (48-30), who are currently in third place. The Lakers would need to lose one game to get the No. 2 spot. The Rockets' playoff destiny could be decided as early as Tuesday night when the Lakers play the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, with three regular-season games left.
Houston gains a major strategic edge by securing the second seed, which guarantees home-court advantage not just in the first round but maybe throughout the second round as well. If the Lakers struggle first, the Rockets' Wednesday game against the Los Angeles Clippers could have no bearing on the playoff rankings.
Houston is currently riding high, having won 15 of their past 17 games and gaining a lot of momentum before the postseason.