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Houston Rockets: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season

By Eric Spyropoulos

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 9: The Houston Rockets huddle up before the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2017 at the AT
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 9: The Houston Rockets huddle up before the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2017 at the AT /
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Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images /

4. Houston will be a top 10 defense

When you thought of the Rockets last season, I can almost guarantee you thought they were a “run and gun, 3-point chucking team that doesn’t care about defense.” And to a certain extent, you would be right.

However, it is often overlooked that the Rockets actually finished 18th defensively last season with a defensive rating of 106.4. For reference, the Dallas Mavericks finished at 15th (league average) and their defensive rating was 106.3. So in the end ,the Rockets were essentially league average on that end of the floor last season.

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That is why they will make the jump into the top 10 this season. Gone are Lou Williams, Sam Dekker and Montrezl Harrell, who are not known for their defensive prowess.  Enter Chris Paul, P.J. Tucker and Luc Mbah a Moute.

Houston now has several defenders to throw at opposing wings each night. A lineup of Paul-Harden-Ariza-Tucker-Mbah a Moute could be the Rockets’ version of the “Death Lineup.” All players in the lineup can shoot and can switch defensively.

When you consider the fact that the Rockets already had quaility defenders in Ariza, Capela and Nene, adding tough physical defenders to the bench will do wonders for the team’s defense this season.

Also, on nights when Nene is resting, Tarik Black is a solid defensive big that can fill in the backup role.

Last season, the Oklahoma City Thunder owned the10th-ranked defense in the league, posting a defensive rating of 105.1. Houston’s versatility, physicality and length on defense should allow them to make the jump into that top-tier of defenses this season, further bolstering their chances at making a deep playoff run.

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