If wagering were available on current world events, we might all be laying down money on when we think professional sports might return. On the positive side of things, there has been a lot of news and headlines to follow with the start of the NHL free agency period, but even the drama that we are seeing there cannot compare to live sports and the excitement of the playoffs. The NBA would be very close to beginning the postseason right now, but as it is, we are all just sitting back waiting on word of when we might see action on the court. This is a very fluid situation, so potential dates being floated today could change again tomorrow. We all just need to be patient, but for now, we can still review the portion of the season that has been played and talk about what teams have done thus far. Let’s take a look at the Houston Rockets. Here’s an overview of the Houston Rockets 2020 season so far with NBA Odds and NBA Championship Odds.
NBA Houston Rockets 2020 Season Analysis
Houston Rockets Season So Far
The Houston Rockets have been among the best in the Western Conference for a few years now, but they have been unable to take the big step that would put them in the NBA Finals. The general consensus was that they might be able to take that next step this season after going out in the offseason and acquiring the services of Russell Westbrook. Things have not gone according to plan, though, as the Rockets find themselves all the way down in the #6 spot in the West, 9 ½ games off the pace being set by the Lakers at the top. The Rockets have been good at home, going 22-10, but they have been inconsistent on the road, where they are 16-14. They have gone 25-17 in conference play this season and 7-4 in their division.
Houston Rockets Key Season Stats and Personnel
With both Westbrook and James Harden patrolling the court, you would expect the Rockets to be among the scoring leaders in the NBA. You would be absolutely correct in that assumption, as this is a team that is averaging 118.1 PPG, good enough for 2nd in the league in points per game average. It is James Harden doing the bulk of the work with 34.4 PPG, as well as leading with 7.4 assists per game. Clint Capela is lights out with a 62.9% shooting percentage.
While the Rockets are certainly fun to watch on the offensive side of things, their lack of defense remains a bit of an issue. They are surrendering 114.4 PPG, which has them way down in 22nd in that category. Russell Westbrook has delivered 8.0 rebounds per game, while James Harden leads the way in steal and blocks per game.
How do the Bookies View the Houston Rockets?
The Rockets certainly have the talent to make a deep run in the playoffs, but they will need to find a way to tighten things up on the defensive end of the court. The bookies still see them as being among the favorites, although the Rockets are at +1500 at the moment.
