With the 2019-2020 NBA season fast approaching, Our First Draft is providing team previews for all 30 NBA teams. These are intended to inform the reader about important roster changes for all teams, as well as summarizing the outlook of the team ahead. This includes the Vegas Over/Under line, OFD’s recommendation on which side to take, as well as a projected record for the team.
Team: Houston Rockets
Conference: Western
Wins O/U: 38.5 (Over -125, Under +105)
Last Year’s Record: 33-49
Projected Roster (Projected Starters marked with asterisks): N. Alexander-Walker, L. Ball*, D. Favors*, J. Hart, J. Hayes, J. Holiday*, B. Ingram*, F. Jackson, N. Melli, D. Miller, E. Moore, J. Okafor, J. Redick, K. Williams, Z. Williamson*
Key Offseason Moves: Drafted Z. Williamson, J. Hayes, N. Alexander-Walker, Traded A. Davis for L. Ball, B. Ingram, and J. Hart, Signed J. Redick, Signed D. Favors, Signed N. Melli, Lost E. Payton, Lost J. Randle
Overall Summary: While they’ll have to be called something other than Zionists, Zion Williamson will have a historic fanbase before very long – if he doesn’t already. When the first draft pick went to the Pelicans, New Orleans celebrated, as an Anthony Davis trade finally made sense. It was also poetic, given that Williamson was the best big-man prospect out of college since Davis. When the Pelicans grabbed three young players and a number of draft picks from the Lakers in exchange for Davis, they moved their window from the present to the future, while still maintaining impressive talent. Their draft was excellent, not only because of Zion, but also their picks of Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, both of whom showed their promise at summer league. The signings of Redick and Favors should add needed veteran depth. This team is going to be good, and fun, but are probably a year away from the playoffs, which will break Redick’s incredible streak of making the playoffs in every single season of his career. The future is bright in Cajun Country.
Verdict: This is a really good line. I would stay away, but if forced to make a decision, I would barely take the over. This team will be a lot of fun, but their youth will show in the second half of the season when the young guys are playing longer seasons than in college. I project a record of 39-43.
