NBA: 2019-20 Western Conference playoff projections

3. Houston Rockets

The questions surrounding the fit between the Rockets’ new star duo of Russell Westbrook and James Harden are still there and if the preseason is anything to go by, it appears that Harden is doubling down on his iso-heavy, ball-dominant play style.

Now that may end up causing problems down the line and in the playoffs – especially given both guys’ history of coming up short in the big games – but for the regular season at least, I think they can win a lot of games off of sheer talent alone.

Westbrook will still average close to a triple-double. Harden will still get his 30 a night. And there are enough other pieces on this team from Clint Capela to Eric Gordon to PJ Tucker, Austin Rivers, and others for them to compete with anyone.