For two straight seasons, the Rockets have ended the year on a low note. After several years of rebuilding and the additions of big stars like Kevin Durant, they still ended up with a first round exit from the postseason. Make no mistake, the Western Conference remains stacked, but the Rockets have one more year of experience together under Coach Ime Udoka and the return of Fred VanVleet.
Their sights are set decidedly higher than a playoff berth. They expect to make a deep run this season and they have both the experience and roster to do it. But will they?
**Expect a more balanced approach.**
The Rockets relied on a lot on offensive rebounds and the incredible efficiency of Durant last season. They were still a good defensive team, but they still lived near the middle of the pack on offense and wound up near the bottom of the league in turnovers. The return of VanVleet and the experience of younger players should make for a more balanced approach on both sides of the ball.
This is a team that is set to be near the top of the league again defensively. They have a chance to put a brutally tough lineup on the floor to defend with Amen Thompson, Marcus Smart, Tari Eason, Durant and Steven Adams. But they also can run a particularly potent offense with Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard, Thompson, Durant and Jabari Smith, Jr. Versatility will be a strength for this team and will serve them well thoughout the season.
**Injuries will happen, but who, when and how bad will determine everything.**
This is the fourth oldest team in the league, so don’t be surprised when they lose guys to injury. This is why you should expect the Rockets to be particularly cautious with Durant, VanVleet, Adams and others. The key will be limiting the number and severity of injuries to key players. The Rockets have depth, but as we saw last season, so much of the team is held together with very specific and critical threads that, when broken, cause the team to unravel.
**Don’t be surprised if the 2024-25 Rockets return in some categories.**
With VanVleet’s return, don’t be surprised if their turnovers go down and their efficiency in the half court goes up significantly. Given the roster they have constructed, a top three finish in defense isn’t a stretch either. That could vault them back to the top of the conference, particularly if they can remain healthy. No team is immune from adversity, but this particular Rockets team seems uniquely capable of handling it.
Oh, with one caveat: this team is much more experienced than the team from two years ago.
**This team will be better offensively.**
Don’t be too surprised if the Rockets start putting up threes at a greater volume than the last few seasons under Udoka. They have been a decent team shooting from distance, but typically bottom of the league in attempts. That may change this season with Sheppard’s growth, the acquisition of Smart and Bogan Bogdanovic, and the return of VanVleet. The Rockets coach wants balance above all else and that will mean being able to equalize teams defensively AND on offense. Expect more efficiency and overall better shooting from the squad this year.
**Prediction:** Rockets finish 3rd in the West, lose in the Western Conference Finals to the Spurs.