NBA: Which teams are contenders/pretenders at the All-Star Break?

Houston Rockets (33-24)

The Houston Rockets got off to a rough start to the season, in large part due to the fact that they had to battle the injury bug quite a bit. However, after the NBA All-Star break, they’re expected to be relatively healthy. That means they could make a move up the West standings, ahead of the playoffs.

If the Rockets can avoid the Warriors until the Conference Finals, I would find a hard time not including this team as one that could potentially pull off the upset of the century in dethroning the Warriors.

It won’t be easy by any means, especially considering how close this team came to doing just that last season, but the combination of James Harden and Chris Paul is one that could potentially push all the right buttons. I don’t think anyone is expecting the Rockets to beat the Warriors in the playoffs this season, but they have the ability to do it. Question is, can they summon it all again this season?

Verdict: Contender