A year ago, the Rockets' schedule set up for a finishing kick. The Rockets could start slowly, and they did. They could handle some growing and injury pains. There was room to make a March move to a winning season and the playoffs.

The Rockets went beyond merely a winning season. They made that March run and won 45 games. For the first time in league history, 45 wins weren't enough to make the playoffs, but the Rockets followed the preseason script.

Now, it gets tougher. Instead of coming from behind, the Rockets will need to get out of the blocks in good shape and pick up speed before the All-Star break. Down the stretch, it gets really tough.

The Rockets limped through April last season. This season, they must get into the thick of the race and find a way to stay there through a tough stretch run.