The Houston Rockets are sitting at 9-3, one of the best records in the West, but the big question now is whether this start is actually sustainable. The Rockets’ early schedule has definitely been on the lighter side, with matchups against rebuilding teams like the Wizards, Blazers, and Nets. But even with that advantage, Houston hasn’t exactly cruised through everything.

The wake-up call loss to the Spurs last week exposed real weaknesses, especially when it comes to ball control and defending the perimeter. Then came Sunday night’s nailbiter against the Magic that spilled into overtime, despite Orlando missing multiple starters. Houston looked disorganized and could buy looks for much of the game.

Now, they’re heading into the toughest stretch of the season without Tari Eason for the next 4-6 weeks, and that’s going to matter a lot more than people think. Eason is one of the most important bench players in Ime Udoka’s rotation, especially for pace, chaos, and extra possessions. Without him, Houston loses a key disruptor, especially at the rim, which was clear on Sunday.

So is the 9-3 record legit? The answer is yes, but with an asterisk. The Rockets are good, but the real test starts now. Their next wins will tell us far more than the first nine.