Clairvoyant Clutchfans [Predictions for the 2013-2014 Season]

Howard or Harden gets injured at some point.
Howard starts complaining about usage.
Rockets lose in the first round.
Mchale gets replaced.

 

http://i.imgur.com/Snf7uIV.gif

 

As for my predictions...

1. Harden will take a step forward in assist to turnover ratio and defense. His points per game will go down slightly due to passing the ball more often, but he will still have an improved season overall.

2. Dwight will not score like he did in Orlando; our offense runs through Harden. However, he will be that kind of rebounding/defensive presence and overall will have a better year with us this season than he did with the Lakers.

3. Parsons will put up about the same numbers per game as last season, but won't play quite as many minutes. As a result his defensive intensity will go up and opposing wings will have a harder time scoring on him.

4. Casspi will not look as good as he did in the preseason, but he will be a serviceable bench forward.

5. Lin and Beverley will play an equal number of minutes, but Lin will get most of his time either playing with the bench unit OR playing at the 2 when we go small ball. He'll have an efficient and defensively improved year. I'm thinking 12/5/3 in 25 minutes. Beverley's numbers will be a touch worse than Lin's, but his defense will be superior.

6. The Twin Towers lineup will work sometimes and fail at others. Asik will play fewer minutes than last season and won't play quite as well when he is on the court. He won't be happy, but he'll still be an important contributor to the team.

7. The Rockets will be 2nd seed in the West. They will make it to the Western Conference Finals and lose in 7 games to the Spurs, who will go on to win one last title before Tim Duncan retires.