Record predictions for every NBA team

Houston Rockets (Projected Record: 60-22)

Speaking of Houston, they project as the second-best team in the league and, frankly, are the only team that remotely approaches Golden State’s combination of top end superstar talent paired with solid role player depth.

Houston doesn’t look to give significant minutes to anyone who isn’t at least close to average and most of their non-superstar rotation guys are better than average by a decent margin. Clint Capela is the Rockets’ secret third-best player, a rim running offensive force who feasts on the open lanes to the basket sure to be opened up by James Harden and Chris Paul and who protects the rim on the other end.

Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson, and Trevor Ariza will surround the big two and bomb away from deep, pushing defenses to the breaking point with bonkers spacing. Gordon should see his secondary creator role when playing with non-Harden units diminished to some extent as Paul sees his minutes staggered alongside Harden’s.

The Rockets may see some growing pains as a team with two guys who dominate the ball may run into issues of diminishing marginal returns to their effectiveness when paired together. This effect should be relatively limited, though, as both players are smart and very effective off-ball shooters.