NBA Season Preview 2018-19: 5 things to watch for on Opening Night

BOSTON - MAY 9: Boston Celtics' Terry Rozier III leaps to try and block a pass from the 76ers' Joel Embiid during the first half. The Boston Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Five of the NBA Eastern Conference Semi Final playoff series at TD Garden in Boston on May 9, 2018. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. The new-look Rockets

Houston finished last season with 65 wins and the best record in the NBA. They did that behind the league’s top offense and seventh-best defense.

This offseason, while the overall Western Conference got stronger, the Rockets lost some of their key role players. Stepping into those vacated, defense-first openings left by Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute are Carmelo Anthony, Michael Carter-Williams and Marquese Chriss.

While the jury’s still out on whether Anthony will play power forward, we know he can’t play defense and has been a *clears throat* slight ball-stopper in the past. Carter-Williams seems like a questionable fit in an offense predicated on making 3’s considering he can’t shoot, and Chriss has recently been described as a moose on skates.

Houston stood as the biggest hurdle in Golden State’s seemingly unstoppable march to the sea. Now though, they’re far from a lock to even escape the second round. Their opening matchup with New Orleans should be a good first test to where they stand.