The 1976–77 NBA season was the Rockets' 10th season in the NBA and 6th season in the city of Houston.
a 1 2 On June 7, 1976, the Houston Rockets acquired Dwight Jones and the first pick from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Gus Bailey, Joe Meriweather and the ninth pick. The Rockets used the pick to draft John Lucas. The Hawks used the pick to draft Armond Hill.
z – clinched division title
y – clinched division title
x – clinched playoff spot
The Rockets had a first round bye.
(2) Houston Rockets vs. (3) Washington Bullets: Rockets win series 4–2
Game 1 @ Houston: Washington 111, Houston 101
Game 2 @ Houston: Houston 124, Washington 118 (OT)
Game 3 @ Washington: Washington 93, Houston 90
Game 4 @ Washington: Houston 107, Washington 103
Game 5 @ Houston: Houston 123, Washington 115
Game 6 @ Washington: Houston 108, Washington 103
(1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (2) Houston Rockets: 76ers win series 4–2
Game 1 @ Philadelphia: Philadelphia 128, Houston 117
Game 2 @ Philadelphia: Philadelphia 106, Houston 97
Game 3 @ Houston: Houston 118, Philadelphia 94
Game 4 @ Houston: Philadelphia 107, Houston 95
Game 5 @ Philadelphia: Houston 118, Philadelphia 115
Game 6 @ Houston: Philadelphia 112, Houston 109
Awards and records
Tom Nissalke, NBA Coach of the Year Award
Ray Patterson, NBA Executive of the Year Award
John Lucas, NBA All-Rookie Team 1st Team
