Didn't a whole lot of people say that last season? It really depends upon where exactly the line is - 23.5 or 25.5. 23.5 I think I take the over. I do expect them to be a better team swapping Wood for Jabari. The over on 25.5 would represent a 6 game improvement over last season with a squad that's even younger that the one that finished with 20 W's .... That's a lot to ask from a starting lineup that will sport three cats that aren't old enough to buy a drink, particularly if EG isn't playing a whole heck of a lot. The only thing that might have me consider the over at 25.5 is that several more teams are obviously tanking it up with SA and Utah joining the tankathon.
There's only 3 teams in the west that are clear bottom feeders. Hou, okc, and SA. Which is also evident in there ~25 win totals give or take for all 3 of these teams. The rest are playoff teams or teams that are vying for a playoff spot without question. Unless utah dumps Mitchell, they're still going to be competitive. Gobert isn't difference of them becoming a bottom feeder without him.
I wouldn't do 25.5 either but 23.5 seems too low. There are just so many factors playing into more wins. 1. Silas under pressure to probably win more than 23 games 2. Jalen Green 2nd year - he's going to be better 3. Growth and development of many players 4. Addition via Subtraction in Christian Wood. While he "won" us some games we all know that he was carcinogenic 5. Addition of defensive attitude Put more plainly, this is a better team than last year. They may not win 30, but there will beat 23 for sure. I bet that goes up quickly to the mid 20's. Don't get me wrong, the Rockets will still suck given they are still basically a college team competing against NBA teams, but they should be good enough to win around 1/3 of their games.
I would say over but the Rockets could end up with a top 4 pick or a top 6-8th pick. Some teams still have to be near the bottom.
1. players mature and improve 2. additional talent through the draft 3. huge upgrade in coaching staff I can't see how that only equates to like 3-4 more wins. I would go with 25-29 wins.
We need guaranteed Top 5 again then if we end up with say 2 or 3 again we trade that pick + all of the BKN picks and swaps for the #1 pick and get Wembanyama. Next year they are in the Finals P.G. - ? KPJ / TyTy / Vet Signing S.G. - GREEN S.F. - EASON P.F. - JABARI ..C. - WEMBANYAMA The defense alone with Tari, Jabari and Wemby would be Top 3 at worst.
I took the over but am regretting it. I don’t have high expectations, but I guess I do expect a little better than they have shown so far. Tough schedule I know, but I’m not seeing the growth I hoped for and way too much of the same **** they did last year.
No need to panic. We knew the first month's schedule would be brutal. The W column will grow faster in December.
