Where will Rockets rank in defense by the end of the season?

Assuming no major injuries, Rockets IMO are a top 5 defensive team in the league.

Currently as a team, the Rockets are 3rd in defensive rating behind the Warriors and Grizzlies with a 96.2 (next place has a rating of 100.2)

Our PG rotation seems to be great/solid defensively (Bev, Canaan)

Harden has been at worst an above average defender He still makes mistakes like jumping on jumpshots, and helping at wrong times, but everyone does that. His DBPM this season is a 3.0 (Highest prior was 0.6 rookie year and 0.0 after that) and his defensive rating is a 95 (Previous best is a 104). It's early, but instead of being the obvious defensive screw up, he's been making a noticeable impact. One of the most obvious differences I've noticed is that he actually is playing defense on the fast break instead of letting them score easily.

Ariza has been stellar on defense.

Jones seems to be a bit better on rotations

Dwight is Dwight

And our bench has some solid defensive players in Canaan, Papa, Terry (rotation wise). It's lacking a defensive big though.

Where do you guys think we finish the season on defense?

 

I think if Rockets can sign an Emeka Okafor or Jermaine O'Neal the bench will be solid.

Canaan, Papa, Terry are all solid defenders. But our bigs can't rebound for ****