The Rockets find themselves on the cusp of championship contention. Their disruptive, dominant defense is camera-ready for basketball's biggest stage. Their competitive fire and the fight instilled under head coach Ime Udoka can keep sturdy legs beneath them through the final rounds of a heavyweight brawl.

After Damian Lillard suffered a torn Achilles tendon, the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo seem to be headed for a divorce.