Convenience Big Store: Rockets stay hot with eighth win in a row

SPRING SALE! Only 25¢

Step into the new season with digital access to essential news.

Act Now

Sale Ends April 12

Today's starting lineup

The Rockets are finishing the regular season on a roll. Houston won its eighth in a row with a 113-102 win over Philadelphia. With two games left, Houston could still get the No. 3 seed but will need some help. The Rockets are currently No. 5 and would open against the Lakers.

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning’s headlines.

Reid Laymance, Sports Editor

reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts to sinking a three-pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Toyota Center in Houston on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Houston Rockets won the game 113-102.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

Rockets roll past 76ers for 8th straight win

Not only did the Rockets get their eighth straight win by beating the 76ers, but they put pressure on the Lakers to keep winning to hold on to the No. 4 seed in the West.

New approach: After the Rockets won their eighth straight game Thursday, Tari Eason was really blunt about the criticism he has heard about himself and how he got over it and refocused. Read More
Emergency: The Philadelphia 76ers, in a race for a playoff spot, were expected to have Joel Embiid against the Rockets tonight, but he had to go to a Houston hospital with appendicitis. Read More

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai pitches against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a Major League Baseball game at Daikin Park in Houston, Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Tatsuya Imai's 'wrong-way' slider is turning heads in MLB

Tatsuya Imai, Houston's offseason signing from Japan, doesn't really have a specific way he throws his slider but it unique in MLB.

How about two Texas A&M linemen in the same draft? Chase Bisontis (71) and Trey Zuhn III played key roles in a strong 2025 season for the Aggies.

Photo by: Jack Gorman, Getty Images

Mock draft 4.0: A stout D-lineman, a mean guard and a couple playmakers

Expect the Texans to be active again and address their biggest weak spots. Here's our latest mock draft class for Houston.

TX TAX - Texas Property Tax Protest Tool

Photo by: Houston Chronicle

Be the first to use our guided property tax protest tool

The Houston Chronicle is launching a smarter way to prepare your property tax protest. Sign up for early access to TX Tax, and get deadline reminders and helpful coverage throughout protest season.

College Basketball

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

UH's Kelvin Sampson has his $11-12 million budget and is making a shopping list

Kelvin Sampson is starting the biggest roster overall in his 13 years with the Cougars but he knows what will fit and has the money to compete.

Staying: Joseph Tugler is likely the only returning starter for a UH team that won 30 games last season and reached Sweet 16 Read More
Going: Chris Cenac Jr., a 6-11 forward, averaged 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds as a freshman for Cougars and will enter NBA draft. Read More

College Baseball

Photo by: Icon Sportswire, Icon Sportswire Via Getty Images

Jim Schlossnagle returns to A&M for first time since abrupt departure to Texas

Jim Schlossnagle was everything Texas A&M loved as baseball coach until he left for Texas. The schools meet in College Station.

A&M vs. UT: Texas A&M has an elite offense, while the Longhorns have been dominant on the mound. Who has the advantage this weekend in College Station? Read More