NBA Power Rankings: Top 5 Western Conference teams ahead of opening night 2019-20

#3 Houston Rockets

Houston's form could depend on how Russell Westbrook adapts to Mike D'Antoni's system

After being eliminated from the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors for the fourth time in five seasons, all signs pointed to the Houston Rockets hitting the reset button. But the Warriors' demise created an opening in the West, and Daryl Morey executed a bold trade that swapped Chris Paul for Russell Westbrook.

Aside from the Westbrook trade much of the roster remains the same, and the Rockets once again lack depth in certain areas. However, Mike D'Antoni's starting lineup of James Harden, Westbrook, Eric Gordon, PJ Tucker and Clint Capela is perhaps the best in the NBA.

The Rockets will undoubtedly possess one of the best records in the league, but there are still doubts over how Westbrook and Harden will co-exist in the same team. The Rockets' hopes of winning a championship will depend on this intriguing dynamic.