How will the Rockets do this season?

Holly Sturm of The Dream Shake outlines predictions for the Houston Rockets ahead of their season opener against the Dallas Mavericks. Sturm projects Houston to finish with 55 regular-season wins and secure a top-three or top-four seed in the Western Conference. Sturm also predicts Alperen Sengun will serve as the team's leading scorer, while noting Amen Thompson could also contend for the scoring lead.

Sturm selects Reed Sheppard as the team's potential breakout young player in a bench-shooting role and highlights Marcus Smart and Tari Eason as top bench contributors. Ultimately, Sturm forecasts a second- or third-round playoff exit for Houston, arguing that the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder remain the premier contenders in the conference.