At 16-33, the Rockets have a record better than only five teams -- the Cavaliers, Nuggets, Warriors, Grizzlies and Bulls -- and have lost at least once to four of them. But they cite numerous injuries and ailments, point to the growth of young players and insist that the record does not indicate the progress of rebuilding.

"I've been around a long, long time," Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich said. "I've never experienced anything like this before. This is the most bizarre season I've ever had."

His team is also on pace for 55 losses, which would be the most in Tomjanovich's 10 full seasons as Rockets coach.