NBA Power Rankings: Heat, Warriors set the tone as dark horse contenders

28. Houston Rockets

I don’t think anyone would argue that the Houston Rockets have a bright future, but they’re going to need a few years to fully begin to see their true potential. In the young season, Jalen Green has already flashed greatness and he’s certainly an early favorite to win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.

How many victories will that translate for the Rockets? It remains to be seen. Though, Houston does have a bit more talent than some of the other lower-tiered teams in the Western Conference.

27. New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are a bad team without Zion Williamson. At least that’s the way it looks. Their offseason inactivity is looking more and more curious as they get off to a bad start. But here’s the most troubling thing about the Pelicans: there’s no guarantee that this team will be able to turn it around even with Zion returns.

And if he does return and the team is still bad, it could get ugly in New Orleans.