Rockets Efficiency Trends DOWNWARD & Does Tari Eason's BRUTAL Slump Warrant Starting Lineup CHANGE?

Houston Rockets' playoff hopes hang in the balance as efficiency metrics slide and Tari Eason faces a crushing shooting slump. Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by Houston Chronicle Beat Writer Varun Shankar (@ByVarunShankar) to dissect the Rockets’ recent struggles—highlighting turnover woes, shaky outside shooting, and the ripple effects of Fred VanVleet’s injury. With Alperen Şengün and Kevin Durant under extra defensive pressure, can Ime Udoka adjust the starting lineup or will Houston ride out these challenges with its current core? Key discussions include possible lineup changes involving Reed Shepard or Josh Okogie, Tari Eason’s crisis of confidence, and the impact of the “possession-maxing” strategy on the Rockets’ offensive identity. Varun Shankar shares insights into team dynamics, offers a fresh perspective as the new Rockets beat reporter, and weighs in on the expectations for Houston’s playoff run. Will the Rockets overcome their late-season slump—or is a first-round exit looming?