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2009-10 Houston Rockets Predictions

Written October 26, 2009 by Jack Jones

The Houston Rockets could be in for a long season. There isn’t another team in the league that has been hit quite as hard with injuries as this team, losing Yao Ming for what is likely to be the entire season, and Tracy McGrady for a good portion of it. Add in losing Ron Artest to the LA Lakers and the team is without any of the superstars they had last season. That is part of the reason why the NBA odds makers have set their season win total projections so low, coming in at 36.5. The Rockets odds to win the West are at 18-to-1, while the odds to win the NBA title sit at 40-to-1. If you are going to be doing any NBA betting this season, then take a look at the $500 in signup bonus money being offered by BetUS!

Backcourt

Aaron Brooks took over the point guard duties last season, but it was in the playoffs that he took it up a notch. He’s fast and he used that speed to get the ball up the floor and create opportunities for himself and teammates. His three assists per game needs to shoot up though this season. McGrady won’t be back for a few months, and even then it’s not known how effective he will be coming off of injury. Rookie Jermaine Taylor looks to be in line to get some significant playing time here. Kyle Lowry will back up the point guard spot and even though he’s small and a poor shooter he did average 3.6 assists per game a year ago.

Frontcourt

Trevor Ariza was brought in to replace Artest, but it will be interesting to see how good this guy really is. He was getting a lot of open looks last year in LA feeding off of Kobe and Gasol and never seemed liked he was able to create his own shot. That’s what he will be asked to do here in Houston. Luis Scola posted 12.7 points and 8.8 rebounds a year ago and has been improving every year. He’s not a dominant low post presence, but he moves well and is a sneaky scorer and rebounder. At center will be rookie David Andersen, who has been playing in Europe. He has a solid mid-range jumper, but I want to see how he does defensively before I’m sold on his transition to the NBA. Joey Dorsey didn’t see much time last year, but reportedly has worked hard on his game and could challenge for minutes down low.

Summary

With my NBA predictions I just can’t see the Rockets overcoming the injuries they have had to endure. It’s almost sad to think about how good this team could be without injuries to Yao and McGrady, but that’s the reality this team faces. I’ve slotted them at fourth in the division and a long shot to make the playoffs. If you want expert NBA picks each night of the season, take a look at what our handicappers have to offer.

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