FiveThirtyEight: Are The Rockets Really Favorites In The NBA's Stacked Western Conference?
neil (Neil Paine, senior sportswriter): Hello! Let's talk about the start of the NBA season, which tips off on Tuesday!
2020 ScheduleAll times ET
vs Bucks
Regular Season
Preseason
2020 Schedule
4-2, 2nd in Southwest
NBA Preview 2019: Rankings, projections and big questions for all 30 teams
A new NBA season is almost here, and it's shaping up to be as wide open as ever. Here's everything you need to know before Tuesday's tip-off.
The Hoop Collective: Top-To-Bottom Projections In 2019-20
Kevin Pelton projects a major shake-up in the NBA's power structure and he joins Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps one day before the tip of the 2019-20 season to discuss his analytics-based conclusions. In the East, Pelton explains his concerns for the Celtics and the guys also dig into how far the Pacers can go (15:19). In the West, the crew lays out expectations for the Clippers (33:05) and Lakers (36:55) after addressing their postseason concerns for the Rockets (28:38).
LeBron, AD, Lakers early favorite to win title (2:06)
For NBA and other sports leagues, a difficult tightrope to business in China
The NBA has far and away the largest Western sports presence in China, but it's hardly alone. Virtually every professional sports entity has worked to establish a foothold there, wooed by the country's population and exploding economy.
Rockets say Westbrook fine despite exiting late
Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said Russell Westbrook will be fine after the guard aggravated a finger injury Friday in Miami.
Westbrook re-aggravates right hand injury (0:26)
Harden goes off for 44 against the Heat (2:03)
Harden gets the 3 and foul (0:24)
Nunn cannot be stopped (0:18)
China denies asking for Morey's firing over tweet
China is refuting NBA commissioner Adam Silver's claim that it demanded the firing of Rockets general manager Daryl Morey over a tweet that supported anti-government protests in Hong Kong.
Silver: Financial losses in China 'substantial'
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said that the league is already dealing with "fairly dramatic" financial consequences from Rockets GM Daryl Morey's support of Hong Kong's anti-government protesters.
Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer
Russell Westbrook isn't worried about a rough night in his first home appearance with the Rockets. "It's going to come, man," he said after a 14-point, 4-rebound, 4-assist, 8-turnover outing in a loss to the Spurs. "It's just going to be a process, like I mentioned earlier in the season. It's going to be a season where we figure it out. And teams that have figured it out still struggle, so don't be like alarmed."
Harden cooks Spurs for 40 points (1:20)
Harden, Russ catch a vibe pregame (0:15)
Harden buries lunging, step-back 3 (0:15)
Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer
Eric Gordon will come off the Rockets' bench tonight against the Spurs. Coach Mike D'Antoni is looking for a way to keep two of his top three scorers — James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Gordon — on the court at all times.
Elhassan: Westbrook or Harden has to change their game (1:02)
Sources: Rockets' Green likely done for season
Rockets swingman Gerald Green likely needs season-ending surgery for a Lisfranc injury.
The Right Time: Bo on LeBron's China comments, Allen/Newton, Baker
Bomani dishes on LeBron's comments regarding China and Daryl Morey (0:36), why the Panthers need to figure out if Cam Newton still has it before they turn the page (20:38) as well as why Baker Mayfield's "act" doesn't work when he is on the losing end (29:04). Plus, an IYHH with fish that can breathe on land (35:23) and a music AMA (43:22).
Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer
Rockets wing Gerald Green's broken left foot is feared to be a Lisfranc fracture that would require season-ending surgery, sources said. Green is seeing another specialist today to get confirmation.
Sources: Silver, players had tense talk in China
During a meeting with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, several players from the Nets and Lakers voiced frustration about being in the middle of the dispute between the league and China, sources told ESPN.
Sources: Rockets' Green likely out long time
Rockets reserve Gerald Green has a broken foot and will miss extended time, sources told ESPN.
Have we seen the end of Carmelo Anthony? (1:15)
NBA sorry reporter's China question stopped
The NBA issued a statement saying it has apologized to a reporter who was stopped from asking James Harden and Russell Westbrook about the recent China controversy.
2019-20 Southwest Standings
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 5 | 0 | 1.000 | - | W5 |
| Houston | 4 | 2 | .667 | 1.5 | W1 |
| Memphis | 3 | 2 | .600 | 2 | L1 |
| San Antonio | 2 | 3 | .400 | 3 | W2 |
| Dallas | 2 | 3 | .400 | 3 | W2 |
Team Stats
Points Per Game113.911th
Rebounds Per Game42.128th
Assists Per Game21.228th
Points Allowed109.121st
Find Tickets
- Rockets vs BucksToyota Center (Houston) -Tickets as low as $31
- Buy Rockets tickets with VividSeats
- Other Games
Injuries
2018 Draft Picks
| RD(PK) | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2(16) | De'Anthony Melton | PG | USC |
Team History
| YEAR | W | L | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 53 | 29 | .646 |
| 2017-18 | 65 | 17 | .793 |
| 2016-17 | 55 | 27 | .671 |
| 2015-16 | 41 | 41 | .500 |