Houston Rockets: 2018-19 NBA Season Preview

Predictions

One thing that has been consistent with the Rockets has been their pursuit of growth, lead by the vision of Daryl Morey. No matter how good the team is in the regular season, Morey will be looking to add more firepower to bring home a championship.

Whether that move means a Jimmy Butler trade, or bringing in a buyout player like Trevor Ariza or DeMarre Carroll, the expectation should be that the Rockets will be a better team heading into the playoffs than they are to start the season.

But even with that being the case, it seems like the Rockets will hit a ceiling of the Western Conference Finals this season. Even if the team is improved from last season, it’s tough to shake the feeling that they missed their window of opportunity.

Like last season, it’s possible that some breaks go in the Rockets favor. Maybe Stephen Curry isn’t himself physically, or DeMarcus Cousins messes with the chemistry the team has. But once again the Rockets will need to rely on external forces in order for them to capitalize and bring home a championship.

Retaining both Chris Paul and Clint Capela was absolutely essential for the Rockets to keep their status as a contender. While Paul and Harden are known commodities, Capela could be the X-factor if he continues to blossom as a defender and threat in the pick and roll.

It seems as though this team will be slightly worse in the regular season, but a better team in the playoffs. How much better remains to be seen, but the Rockets once again appear to be serious contenders to win it all.