The Rockets had the unforgettable 2017-18 season and it is hard to expect to see them winning 65 games for the second year in a row. However, if they stay healthy, James Harden and his teammates should surpass the 55-win mark and once again battle for the playoffs’ pole position. Harden will try to retain the MVP Award, and he’s a +650 favorite with only three guys ahead of him – LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Rockets are runaway favorites to retain the division title with the odds at -650 on Bet365 Sportsbook, and at this moment, only the San Antonio Spurs look like a serious danger. On the other hand, the Rockets seem like the only team that could endanger the Warriors in the West, so picking them at +550 to win the conference could be a nice wager.

The Rockets could suffer defensively after losing Trevor Ariza, but if Mike D’Antoni assembles the things on time, his team will be like a well-oiled machine prepared to blossom in the playoffs. I don’t think they will win the NBA championship, but I can see them in the Western Conference Finals battling against the mighty Warriors.

The Pick: Over 55.5 (-110)