Houston has $141.5 million on the books for the 2025-26 campaign, and the projected salary cap is $154.6 million. In reality, though, the Rockets are on track to surpass this year's $171 million bill. Big-money extensions for Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun—both north of $33 million—will kick in next season.

San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) high fives guard Buddy Hield (7) after Hield scored a basket against the Houston Rocke

The Golden State Warriors didn’t make it easy on themselves, but they are moving on to the next round of the playoffs.