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2019-20 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

By Christopher Kline

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Houston Rockets

Slotting Houston outside the home-court advantage tier is… weird. It speaks to how deep the West is, not my views on the Russell Westbrook-James Harden pairing. The Houston Rockets are an improved team this season, and Westbrook is the obvious catalyst for that improvement.

Last season, Chris Paul, though still effective, was a muted version of his once-great talent. Westbrook will add a necessary dynamism to the offense — a strong-willed, explosive athlete who will place constant pressure on the rim, which plays into the Rockets’ desire to generate looks at the basket or open three-point attempts. It also takes the pressure off Harden.

Likewise, Harden will remain a strong MVP candidate who, despite Russ’ on-ball forays, will get the majority of Houston’s touches. Westbrook seems willing to sacrifice, as does Harden. They’re former teammates and good friends, so expect the relationship to stay stronger than the Harden-CP3 bond did.

Houston will have its typically strong offense and a passable defense, especially if Clint Capela returns to his 2017-18 form. The philosophies that drive the Rockets’ offense won’t change, even if Westbrook adds a layer of unpredictability. It’s still Daryl Morey and Mike D’Antoni’s show.

The Rockets are a real, legitimate championship threat. More so this season than last season, for a variety of reasons. The West is stacked, but it’s also unstable. There are several potential outcomes, and one includes Houston finally breaking through.

Beyond the Paul-Westbrook swap, Houston didn’t change a ton. The roster is similar, and for at least one more season, D’Antoni is at the helm. It’s really a dream scenario for D’Antoni, a prolific point guard coach who gets to manipulate both Harden and Westbrook’s immense talents. The West is quite, quite fun.

Final prediction: 50-32, No. 5 seed Western Conference