The Whiteboard: No one can keep the Rockets off the offensive glass

The Houston Rockets have the worst record in the NBA. They rank in bottom five in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Their two primary offensive creators are Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. and their No. 2 pick Jabari Smith is shooting 30.8 percent from the field and 29.4 percent beyond the arc.

The Houston Rockets have rebounded 34.4 percent of their misses this season. Usman Garuba, Alperen Sengun and Tari Eason are responsible for this. They are all in the top 15 in offensive rebounds per 100 possessions. The Rockets are plus-26 in games when they play with this trio together. They have been outscored by 90 points on the season, but they are still plus 26 in 169 minutes with them playing together as a trio. Their offensive rebounding has been a big part of this success. It is the third time in last decade that a team has posted an offensive rebound percentage of 34 or more.

The Celtics are on a historic pace and the Rockets are struggling. Bones Hyland has become indispensable to the Denver Nuggets. Carmelo Anthony could be a short-term fix for the Phoenix Suns.

The Celtics are on a historic pace. Bones Hyland has become indispensable to the Denver Nuggets. Carmelo Anthony could be a short-term fix for the Phoenix Suns.

The early-season surprises have the standings looking very different than expected. According to FiveThirtyEight’s prediction model, the Jazz have an 87 percent chance of making the playoffs and the Trail Blazers have a 59 percent. The Lakers are at just 4 percent right now.

The Jazz have an 87 percent chance of making the playoffs and the Trail Blazers have a 59 percent. The Lakers are at just 4 percent right now.

The NBA and Nike released images of 2022-23 City Edition jerseys for all 30 teams yesterday.