The Houston Rockets have high aspirations for this season, but they have struggled mightily out of the gate, posting a 1-5 record through six games. They already had an uphill battle to catch the Warriors, and this slow start will not help them when it comes time for playoff seedings.

They have struggled defnsively, and have not had quite the same efficiency on offense like last year. It’s still very early, and maybe not time to panic yet, but they need to start playing better soon to compete in a tough Western Conference.

“1-5 is not panic mode,” Pierce said. “Let me tell you all what panic mode is. When I was in Brooklyn, we were 12-20. That’s panic mode.”