Rockets trending upward in power rankings

Led by triple-double machine James Harden, the Rockets are trending upward in the Association. Last week, Houston went 2-1, and followed by a convincing win against the lowly Philadelphia 76ers last night.

The Rockets split games with the San Antonio Spurs, edging out the Spurs in San Antonio but falling short at home. The intrastate rivalry was separated by a total of four points.

CBS Sports favors the Rockets the most by placing them ninth in their power rankings. Matt Moore compiles that list and says the Rockets are gaining momentum.

James Harden is a nuclear-inferno phoenix, soaring through the night sky. Patrick Beverley is nearing a return. They've got a big week coming up against other playoff hopefuls.

The rest of the major rankings — ESPN, USA Today, NBA.com — don't consider the Rockets a top 10 team. Yet. But tomorrow night, they play the Thunder in Oklahoma City. The following night, they host the Blazers before hosting the Jazz on Saturday. Go 3-0 against those opponents, and 4-0 on the week, and it'll be impossible for anyone to deny the Rockets are among the 10 best teams in the league. Even two wins would be a signal that this is not a mediocre team like last year's outfit.