Houston Rockets 2010 Preview & Predictions

Houston Rockets 2010 Season Preview, Predictions Picks & Odds

With the NBA Basketball season just around the corner, we are providing season previews for all 30 teams to give you the betting edge. Follow the best NBA Basketball Handicappers as they analyze their teams in this 2010 season preview. Use our comprehensive and insider info to bet successfully on the NBA in our recommend sportsbooks. View the rest of our 2010 NBA Season Previews here.

Houston Rockets 2009-2010 NBA Record: 42-40, 3rd in Southwest Division

Houston Rockets Betting Trends & Betting Angles:
• UNDER is 12-4 past 16 trips to San Antonio
• 4-15 ATS past 19 games on no rest
• UNDER is 17-2 past 19 as fave of 2 or less pts
• Played 6 straight UNDERs at New Orleans
• OVER is 5-1 past 6 trips to Dallas
• 13-3 SU past 16 games vs Memphis
• 13-1 SU past 14 Dec home games

Houston Rockets 2010 Preview & Prediction

For the Rockets, 2009-10 was all about subtraction. They entered the season knowing that they would be minus the considerable services of Yao Ming, who had undergone a total reconstruction of his left foot, and Tracy McGrady, who was recovering from microfracture surgery on his left knee. Later in the season the Rockets performed a bigger bit of subtraction, finally parting ways with the increasingly disgruntled McGrady, shipping him to New York in a three-team deal that landed them Kevin Martin from the Sacramento Kings. With nothing to lose, the Rockets were forced to throw caution to the wind, and they decided to toss logic and convention out as well. They went with a starting lineup that included a swingman (Trevor Ariza) who couldn’t shoot, a small forward (Shane Battier) who wouldn’t shoot and center Chuck Hayes who can’t shoot, period. But oddly enough, it all seemed to work, and despite all those minuses, the Rockets still managed to make things interesting, improbably winning 42 games. The Rockets now view last year’s 82-game education as a foundation-laying, depth-providing experience for this season, when they’ll be adding much-needed size in Yao (well, for about 24 minutes per night) and 7’0 Brad Miller, as well as some more pop from the perimeter in shooting guard Courtney Lee.

Houston Rockets Coach: Rick Adelman (4th season)

Houston Rockets Projected Starters: PG Aaron Brooks, SG Kevin Martin, SF Shane Battier, PF Luis Scola, C Yao Ming.

Houston Rockets Key Additions: G Courtney Lee, C Brad Miller.

Houston Rockets Key Losses: G Trevor Ariza, C David Andersen.

2010 Houston Rockets Point Guards:

While Chris Paul, Deron Williams and most recently Rajon Rondo have moved to the head of the class ofNBA point guards, Aaron Brooks isn’t too far behind. In his first full season running the team, Brooks’ blend of quickness, long-range shooting and dazzling driving skills enabled him to average 19.6 points while handing out 5.3 assists. Having Martin around from the start figures to reduce his scoring output, though his assists should go up. Just in case he falters, the Rockets still have Kyle Lowry around, after Houston elected to match Memphis’ three-year $24 million offer sheet. While not as good a shooter, the more compact Lowry is a solid defender and smart ball hawk. Depending on the matchup, Adelman’s not adverse to putting them on the floor together.

2010 Houston Rockets Off Guards:

Heading into last year, Kevin Martin had boosted his numbers four straight seasons in Sacramento, moving to the upper echelon of shooting guards. Now, after a forgettable season which began with an injury and ended with a trade to the Rockets, he’s trying to pick up the pieces and get back where he was. The Rockets should be the beneficiaries, because Martin has all the tools to regain his old stature. Now Courtney Lee – and occasionally Brooks – will fill in when he leaves. Lee brings athleticism and playoff experience from his days in Orlando. Second-year man Jermaine Taylor, who’s filled with potential, should get some time there, too.

2010 Houston Rockets Small Forwards:

This is probably the Rockets deepest position, though not necessarily their best. But Adelman has all kinds of options here depending on matchups and game situations. Chase Budinger might well end up starting. If he wants a zone buster it’ll be Shane Battier, who’s as fundamentally sound as they come as well as being a great one-onone defender who’s kept players like Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony under wraps. If it’s more of a physical-type, inside player who can bang the boards and also score in the paint, look for Jared Jeffries to be his man. And if he wants a great wing shooter who can also bang bodies inside, second-year man Mike Harris might get the call. Together they give the Rockets a blend of scoring, rebounding, defense and plain old basketball smarts, though none of them should be confused for All-Stars.

2010 Houston Rockets Power Forwards:

If small forward is Houston’s deepest position, then power forward is its best. In Luis Scola, Adelman has a proven inside player coming off his best season, capable of a double-double on any night. With Yao back, though, Scola’s scoring might not be needed as much. When he takes a breather Houston can go to Jordan Hill, one of the chips they cashed in from the McGrady trade, or top draft pick Patrick Patterson. Hill was a big-time rebounder in school, who came on late in the year when he got more of a chance to play. Patterson is more of a project, considering he was no best than fourth option in his one season playing for John Calipari at Kentucky. Don’t forget gritty veteran Chuck Hayes, either.

2010 Houston Rockets Centers:

The Rockets will probably proceed cautiously at first with Yao Ming, testing him out to see how his surgically repaired foot and the rest of his frail body holds up. But should he stay healthy, the 7-6 Yao will instantly upgrade their offense, rebounding and overall court presence. Signing free agent Brad Miller more than a decade after they first tried to get him, not only should take some of the load off Yao’s broad shoulder, but will give Houston a legit fallback guy should Yao break down again. Miller, whose best years came under Adelman in Sacramento, specializes in keeping teams honest with his mid-range – and deeper – shooting, along with his exceptional passing skills. If needed, Hayes can also help plug the gap.

Houston Rockets 2010 Season Predictions

We predict that the Houston Rockets will finish 3rd in the NBA Southwest Division .

Houston Rockets Betting

Houston Rockets NBA Championship Odds: +3000
Houston Rockets Eastern Conference Odds: +1200

Houston Rockets 2009-2010 Betting Stats

Houston Rockets Straight Up: 42-40
Houston Rockets ATS: 37-45
Houston Rockets Home ATS: 18-23
Houston Rockets Away ATS: 19-22
Houston Rockets Record As Favorite: 25-16
Houston Rockets Record As Dog: 17-24
Houston Rockets Over/Under: 42-40

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