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 a fourth straight disappointing early playoff exit for the Milwaukee Bucks, it's long past the time we start asking the question if Giannis Antetokounmpo should start considering his options elsewhere.