The Houston Rockets are currently one of the teams with the fewest average points allowed in the league, and they are also among the best in terms of average defensive efficiency. Therefore, although the Rockets may not perform well offensively this season, especially in their three-point shooting, where their current 32% three-point shooting percentage ranks second-to-last in the league, they still rely on their impenetrable defense and strong overall strength to maintain their position as second in the Western Conference.
Moreover, the Rockets have recently won consecutive games against strong teams, such as the Lakers, Grizzlies, and Mavericks, all of which are top teams in the West. Even with the absence of two frontline core players, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason, Coach Udoka is not worried because he knows that the depth of the Rockets' roster is at a first-class level. Even if two players are out, there are still many substitute players who can step up.
Furthermore, talented players like Michael Weir and Sheppard from the Rockets are playing in the Development League and can be recalled for important roles at any time. In fact, the main reason for the Rockets' excellent record this season is their defense, which is so strong that it no longer needs to be elaborated upon. It is believed that by looking at the Rockets' current record and performance, everyone knows how powerful their defense is. Even without two key defensive players like Eason and Smith Jr., Udoka can still rely on three other top defenders.
For example, in the previous game where the Rockets defeated the Grizzlies, they limited the opposing star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. to only 21 points. Besides Dillon Brooks and Armoni Brooks, the two starting forwards taking turns to defend against Jackson, Udoka also emphasized that he gave more opportunities to 28-year-old Jae'Sean Tate to defend against Jackson. Tate is also the third line of defense on the Rockets' frontline. With three defensive forwards, plus Eason and Smith Jr., the current luxury of the Rockets' frontline is self-evident.
Although they do not have superstar forwards like James or Antetokounmpo, the Rockets' five defensive anchors each have their own characteristics, and their defense is at an elite level in the league. Together, they have directly elevated the Rockets' overall defense to the top level in the league. Even if Smith Jr. and Eason are both absent, the Rockets' frontline will still have Dillon Brooks, Armoni Brooks, and Tate rotating. This is also the main reason why the Rockets have been able to win four out of their last five games.
When Smith Jr. and Eason return to the team, the Rockets' frontline will be able to compete with any team. This is also the reason why Udoka is so confident, even though the Rockets are currently facing serious injury concerns. However, with three defensive powerhouses like Armoni, Dillon, and Tate, the Rockets can still compete with most strong teams.