NBA: The struggling Rockets and 5 other eye-opening early observations
By Colin Cann
Houston Rockets
Everybody knew the defense was going to take a hit when the Houston Rockets let Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute walk, and it has as they currently sit in the bottom five for defensive rating, but the offense has been almost as bad putting up 110 points per game, good for 21st overall. They now sit at 1-4 after winning 65 games last season.
Still, don’t spend too much time worrying about the Rockets, they missed Chris Paul for two of those games and Harden for another one and a half and counting. Those aren’t even the only starters to miss time as James Ennis has gone down with a Hamstring injury. Back up centers Nene and Zhou Qi haven’t played a game yet. Not to mention Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss, who were traded for starting PF Ryan Anderson, have yet to suit up as Rockets.
Safe to say they are dealing with some injuries on top of their roster overhaul. Don’t panic, Houston will find their stride once everyone is healthy. They are too talented not to, the defense will be a major issue all season but expect these guys as a top seed once again, even in the Western gauntlet.