In the ever-deep and talent-rich Western Conference of the NBA, the competition is fierce. Last season saw an impressive 11 teams with a winning record, all boasting over 20 wins each. And this upcoming season promises to be just as intense. Yet, in the midst of this star-studded conference, two teams stick out as unsung heroes – the Houston Rockets and the Memphis Grizzlies.
When it comes to the Grizzlies, it’s clear that they are flying under the radar in the Western Conference. Despite being projected to snag around 47 wins in the upcoming season, putting them in the top five seeds, they are not getting the recognition they deserve. With a dynamic trio of Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane leading the charge, backed by rising stars like G.G Jackson and Brandon Clarke, the Grizzlies have all the ingredients for success. Add in defensive prowess from Marcus Smart, sharpshooting from Luke Kennard, and a massive big man in Zach Edey, and the Grizzlies are a force to be reckoned with.
However, injuries have plagued this talented squad in recent years, raising doubts about their ability to stay healthy and reach their full potential. If they can overcome this hurdle, the Grizzlies have the makings of a championship-contending team. They have the talent, they have the depth, now all that’s left is to prove themselves on the court.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets have quietly been making strides towards respectability. Since parting ways with James Harden, the Rockets have been on a journey to rebuild and redefine themselves. Last season marked a significant improvement for the team under first-year head coach Ime Udoka, with a 19-win increase from the previous season. Despite falling just short of a play-in tournament spot, the Rockets showed promise and potential for the future.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the Rockets are projected to notch around 42 wins, a slight uptick from the previous year. With talented young players like Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green leading the charge, Houston is poised for success. Coach Udoka has instilled a winning culture within the team, and with another year in his system, the Rockets could be primed for a breakout season.
As the Western Conference gears up for another exciting year of basketball, keep an eye on these overlooked teams. The Grizzlies and Rockets may not be grabbing all the headlines, but they have the talent and determination to make some noise and shake up the conference hierarchy. Watch out for these underdogs as they strive to prove the doubters wrong and make a statement in the fierce competition of the Western Conference.
