5. Houston Rockets
Previous: No. 6
Record: 36-16
Last Week: 3-1
Verdict: Buying
The Houston Rockets have a genuine MVP candidate in shooting guard James Harden. They’re also led by a Defensive Player of the Year nominee in Dwight Howard, who’s been battling the injury bug in 2014-15.
Howard told reporters that his latest injury could keep him sidelined for up to two months.
Don’t expect Houston to remain idle.
If general manger Daryl Morey has proven anything, it’s that he’s aggressive in pursuing trade opportunities. Whether or not it proves to be the right move, he’ll address a void before it grows to be too big.
It’s hard to imagine a change of pace with the franchise center going down for a two-month period.
Terrence Jones returning from injury and Donatas Motiejunas emerging as a two-way force ease some of the trouble. Both players are promising and productive, but neither provide D-12’s impact.
Chances are, Houston will be dealing.
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