2019-2020 NBA Previews – Rockets Odds
Looking for 2019 Houston Rockets Predictions? Perennially the harshest on-court threat to Golden State’s dynasty, Houston made a brash offseason gamble following GSW’s capsize. That gamble, of course, arrives in the form of 30-year-old former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. Rockets GM Daryl Morey, known for his calculated dealings, weighed all options and decided mid-range-heavy Westbrook gives Houston greater upside than trade partner Chris Paul.
Houston Rockets Season Preview
Head Coach: Mike D’Antoni
2018-19 Record: 53-29
Rockets Odds to NBA Title: +850 Rockets Odds to Win Conference: 13/2
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Players Who Have Left
- Chris Paul
Players Who Have Arrived
- Ben McLemore
- Russell Westbrook
- Anthony Bennett
- Deyonta Davis
- Tyson Chandler
- Thabo Sefolosha
Injury prone and creeping into his mid-30’s, Paul’s value began receding last season. The celebrated vet’s scoring average and field goal percentage fell to career lows as Paul missed key games.
Still, in a wide-open Western Conference, many feel CP3 had enough in reserve to steer the Harden-led Rockets toward an elusive NBA Finals berth in 2020. However, after posting a third-straight triple double season, maverick Westbrook will now stir Houston’s cocktail for better or worse.
And Westbrook will do so alongside erstwhile Thunder teammate James Harden. From 2009 through 2012 the future Hall of Famers aided OKC’s rise which climaxed in a 2012 cameo NBA Finals loss vs. Lebron James’ Miami Heat. As chronicled, Westbrook was then the All Star alpha to Harden’s 6th-man sidekick.
Though, after being traded to Houston, where uptempo impresario Mike D’Antoni eventually arrived, Harden flourished and became at least Westbrook’s equal. With their paths re-aligned, it’s Harden, the poster-child for Morey’s perimeter centric style, who will stand center stage. And the onus to prove his worth now resides upon Westbrook.
Houston Rockets Strengths: Backcourt Offense
While Westbrook isn’t the prototypical deep threat featured in Houston, the springy floor general presses defenses with unyielding force. Westbrook features mid-range proficiency and open-court rim runs along with next-level court vision. The NBA assist leader two years running, Westbrook will create open shots for Harden and company while enjoying added isolation space.
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Expect more traditional point guard play this year from #0. If all goes accordingly, Westbrook’s assist percentage should also find a new career high within the Rockets’ spread system. The gravitational push and pull Westbrook and Harden bring is unparalleled among current starting backcourts. Westbrook to Harden drive-and-kicks will become a staple Rockets’ highlight this season. Third scoring option Eric Gordon, signed to a 4-year $75.6 million extension this summer, couldn’t ask for a better scenario.
Gordon’s efficiency numbers should rise as he becomes the perfect release-valve for Westbrook and Harden.
This Rockets perimeter attack will be faster, stronger and more effective than last year’s version. How that translates against Los Angeles’ dueling western powers and Denver will decide the Rockets’ immediate fortunes.
Increased Toughness
There likely hasn’t been a tougher game day competitor than Westbrook since the former UCLA diamond-in-the-rough entered the NBA. From scrutinized lottery pick to League MVP, Westbrook’s mental focus has placed him among the wealthiest, most statistically successful athletes in sporting history. Infused further by bangers PJ Tucker and Clint Capella, this already gritty Houston bunch becomes run-and-gun with an edge.
When postseason play arrives, and possessions become magnified amid slowed pace, the Rockets sport an added resolve. A likely seven-game battle vs. Western contender LAC would showcase modern basketball, finesse and hustle, at its finest. And assuming they still occupy their respective rosters come late spring, Westbrook vs. Pat Beverley is always worth admission.
If Westbrook finds his offensive groove with Houston, considering his intangibles, this Rockets group owns the ingredients to be special.
Houston Rockets Weaknesses: Uncertainty
Lest history repeat itself.
Two words: Dwight Howard. Once heralded as Houston’s next great big, after one All Star season with the Rockets, Superman’s numbers, touches and morale nosedived. The promise Howard brought early to Clutch City became bitter acrimony toward Daryl Morey at the exit gate.
Howard seethed at Morey’s vision that he should be a defensive-minded pivot and regularly defer offensively -the small-ball revolution was exploding then, making traditional post play an afterthought.
It’s no secret Morey frowns upon long two point and mid range attempts -Westbook’s wheelhouse. Excluding numerous lane drives (which Morey encourages) last season Westbrook’s next most proficient attempts came from mid range and deep two-point territory. The Brodie shot just 29% from three last year.
Morey has already stated he sees Westbrook fulfilling a specific role with Houston. It is likely Morey will instruct Russ to be more selective and defer to his perimeter-oriented teammates.
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How Westbrook handles that almost certain request will determine how well Houston performs. Westbrook has the ability to play exceptional defense and playmake. Will he do that almost exclusively, though?
Houston Rockets Betting Prediction: 57 Wins
After a -14 win decline last season and quick playoff exit vs. banged-up GSW, this season’s Rockets are a curious group to predict. Rostering the league’s most unpredictable star lead guard, Houston could rise just as easily as implode.
Still a respected championship contender, Vegas has Houston pegged for 54.5 wins. And that’s with Coach D’Antoni’s stalled contract extension talks and the great Westbrook mystery hanging overhead.
But this team has a ceiling around 57 wins. More so, Westbrook is often maligned for his quirks and media snipes, however, he’s the consummate teammate. Excited to re-unite with good friend Harden, and ignite a fully-stocked supporting cast, Westbrook will buy in to Morey’s vision and Houston will surpass their Vegas win total.
2019 NBA Gambling
What do you think about our 2019 Houston Rockets predictions? Please leave us a comment below telling us how you think they’ll do in the 2019-2020 NBA Season!
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