The Houston Rockets seem well on their way to being one of the next great teams in the NBA. SG Jalen Green made a huge impact in his rookie season and seems poised to build on it. PF Jabari Smith was expected to go first overall in the NBA draft this summer and instead he fell to Houston at number three.
Smith has the potential to be a difference maker at both ends of the floor.
PG Kevin Porter Jr. saw his three-point shooting jump six percentage points last season – his first as a starter and looks to be part of the rebuild as well.
20-year-old center Alperen Sengun had moments of excellence last year as well and will look to build on it. Finally, the team drafted a couple more projects in the first round this year in Tari Eason and TyTy Washington.
They are also surrounded by a few stabilizing veterans including stalwart Eric Gordon who remains from the previous era, Boban Marjonovic and Derrick Favors.
This year remains all about the tank, as they position themselves to truly get off the mat by next season.
Houston Rockets Season Outlook:
Projected Starting Lineup: PG Kevin Porter Jr., SG Jalen Green, SF Eric Gordon, PF Jabari Smith Jr. , Alperen Sengun
Head coach: Stephen Silas
Notable Additions: C Boban Marjanovic, C Derrick Favors
Draft Picks: Jabari Smith Jr. (3rd overall), F Tari Eason (17th Overall), F TyTy Washington (29th Overall)
Rockets Arena: Toyota Center
Rockets NBA Schedule: NBA.com
2022-23 Houston Rockets NBA Futures Odds
- Odds to win the 2023 NBA Championship: 2000/1
- Odds to win the 2022-23 Western Conference: 1000/1
- Odds to win the 2022-23 Southwest Division: +50000
- 2022-23 Regular Season Win Total: Over 23½ (-115)
- Odds to Make the Playoffs: Yes +3300 | No -20000
- Official website: nba.com/rockets
- Twitter Account : @HoustonRockets
2022-23 Houston Rockets NBA Award Top Contenders
Most Improved Player: Jalen Green +2500, Alperen Sengun +4000, Kevin Porter Jr. +5000
Rookie OTY: Jabari Smith Jr. +800
Liev Jackson NBA Season Prediction on Rockets:
Houston has a lot of young talent that will play fast paced and exciting basketball. Last season they took a lot of shots, but their field goal percentage, especially from 3-point range was among the worst in the league. They were also among the worst defensive teams in basketball.
That’s how it goes when you turn the keys over to a young group figuring out how to win in the NBA. They should see some progress in that development as Green, Porter Jr. and Senguin gained much needed experience, but not much.
About the only bet that makes sense for this team this season is a flyer on Smith Jr. for ROY as he’ll get ample opportunity to contribute. Since it’ll be on a losing team however, I wouldn’t bet much, as a rookie who performs similarly on a better team will likely earn votes ahead of him.
Favorite bets for the season at current odds include:
- Rookie OTY: Jabari Smith Jr. +800
- 2022-23 Regular Season Win Total: Under 23½ (-115)
2021-22 Record: 20-62
My Record Prediction: 22-60
NBA Odds According to Bovada as of October, 2022
Bet on the Houston Rockets 2022-23 Season at Bovada Sportsbook.
