8. Houston Rockets (40-24)
Equipped with two of the best players in the NBA, when they’re both healthy and on the top of their game, the Houston Rockets should be viewed as a dark horse threat in the Western Conference. Even though there are some legit concerns, specifically their frontcourt depth, James Harden is the type of player that can be dangerous in a bubble format.
Harden will be healthy, fresh, and ready to go when the season restarts. I’m not sure we’ve seen that version of Harden in the playoffs, and that should give Rockets fans confidence in their ability to have a deep playoff run.
At the same rate, if Westbrook is healthy, he could also be a difference-maker for the team. If he is efficient with his offense and engaged on the defensive end of the floor, we could be looking at a real threat in the West. Those are two big “ifs” though.