Yao Ming is out for the season and who knows if or when Tracy McGrady will be ready to play and without them the Rockets lack scoring punch. The Rockets were last in the league in fastbreak points last season, but i expect for them to be in the top-half of the league this season as they will be forced to run with Yao out. Aaron Brooks and Luis Scola should continue the strong play they showed in the postseason, newcomer Trevor Ariza is coming off his season and at 24, his best days are clearly ahead. Rookie Chase Budinger should provide scoring off the bench, big time range on his jumper and he can move without the ball, his game is for real. The Rockets will be challenged on the interior this season, and i dont see them making the playoffs because of it but im giving them a chance based off how this team always seems to find ways to win in the past without Yao or T-Mac or both.

Key Additions: Trevor Ariza David Anderson, Chase Budinger, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Jermaine Taylor

Key Subtractions: Ron Artest, Von Wafer, Dikembe Mutombo

Projected Starting Lineup: Aaron Brooks/ Shane Battier/ Trevor Ariza/ Luis Scola/ Chuck Hayes

Key Reserves: Tracy McGrady, Kyle Lowry, Carl Landry, Chase Budinger, Jermaine Taylor, David Anderson

-Bennice

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