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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 Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images /

1. Rockets will have the league’s best offense

This might be the boldest prediction of them all. After all, Houston’s primary competitor for the top-ranked offense is the Warriors, a team that features offensive juggernauts like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant all on the same team.

However, this article wouldn’t be fun or interesting if we didn’t go bold with the predictions. Now, the only way this prediction actually happens is if Harden and Paul stay healthy for the entire season. Houston’s offense relies way too much on both of them for one to go down for an extended period.

The other additions the Rockets made this summer came in the form of very limited offensive players. Tucker and Mbah a Moute need an elite guard to create quality looks for them, and they join the likes of Ariza and Anderson that require the same.

Therefore, it is important that both Paul and Harden stay healthy and that their minutes are staggered effectively in order to maximize the team’s offensive potential. Having one of Harden or Paul on the floor at all times will allow Houston’s offense to never truly dip in a game. Both players have shown that they can run elite offenses with the right pieces around them.

Adding Paul’s brilliant passing and playmaking alongside Harden and countless shooters should allow Houston to improve on their 111.8 offensive rating they posted last season. The Warriors are the Warriors, so their offense will once again be incredible.

Next: Ranking the 10 NBA teams who have 'next' after the Warriors

But with one of Chris Paul or James Harden always on the floor and surrounded by shooters, Houston’s offense can be good enough to surpass that of the defending champions.

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