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NBA: Western Conference Contenders And Pretenders

By Gerald Bourguet

Mar 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) attempts to drive the ball past Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game at Toyota Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Rockets 102-100. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) attempts to drive the ball past Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the game at Toyota Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Rockets 102-100. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 27, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) celebrates his three point shot with forward Trevor Ariza (1) against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Toyota Center. Rockets won 120 to 110 .Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Houston Rockets – Contender

Last season, the Houston Rockets were a very good offense predicated on a high number of three-pointers, layups and free throws. This season, that’s pretty much still the case, except for James Harden is playing like an MVP candidate and the defense has drastically improved to a top-five unit in the NBA. Before last night’s loss, the Rockets were second in the West.

Whether you like the way Harden plays is irrelevant; it’s undeniably efficient and if Harden, the league leader in free throw attempts by a mile, can continue to get to the foul line in the postseason, the Rockets will be in a good place. So far this season, they’re 30-5 in games in which Harden gets to the foul line at least 10 times, per ESPN’s Marc Stein.

The return of Dwight Howard is going to be crucial. Without Howard, it’d be tough for the Rockets, good as they’ve been all season without him, to make it to even the Western Conference Finals. Patrick Beverley‘s season-ending wrist injury is a bigger concern than you’d think and Donatas Motiejunas‘ back injury is a cause for alarm as well.

This has been an incredible season for the Houston Hardens. Corey Brewer has been playing well, the Rockets have somehow gotten production out of the artist formerly known as Josh Smith and the Beard is my MVP frontrunner right now. But as far as legitimate title hopes are concerned, it really depends on Howard’s successful reintegration.

Next: No. 2