Top 5 teams to challenge GSW in the West

#1 Houston Rockets

James Harden and Chris Paul

Starting line-up :

Chris Paul / Eric Gordon(G), James Harden(G), Trevor Ariza(F), Ryan Anderson(F), Clint Capela(C).

Acquiring Chris Paul (9 time NBA All-Star) was the best move made by Houston this off-season. Harden was the lone warrior for Houston in the previous seasons and this move will reduce Harden's workload and benefit the team on both ends.

The experienced forward duo (Ryan Anderson and Trevor Ariza) will play a vital role for the team and they have to support Harden and Paul in order to perform better as a team. Clint Capela, who has had decent stats in the last season will take the center position for the team and this youngster is expected to become the next big man for Houston.

Eric Gordon, the man who received 'NBA Sixth man of the year' award last season might get the starting job for Houston. He has also won the latest 'Three-point contest' happened as part of All-Star weekend and his team will rely on his 3-point shooting. Houston was expected to dominate 3-point shooting percentage as they possess the likes of Eric Gordon, James Harden, Ryan Anderson.

PJ Tucker and Moute will serve the team from the bench. This team will produce a huge challenge for the Golden State Warriors as they know how to play and dominate as a team. They already spoiled the party of the Golden State on their opening night and expected to continue the same throughout this season.

Key players :

Harden: 29.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 10.0 APG.

Chris Paul: 4.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 10.0 APG (just one game).

Last Season Stats :

55-27 in the regular season(3rd in west), lost in Western Conference semi-finals.