The Houston Rockets have been shooting up the oddsboard of late (pun intended), but a situation that occurred yesterday has put a damper on the enthusiasm.
Multiple outlets reported that superstars James Harden and Russell Westbrook did not make the team flight down to the “NBA bubble’ in Orlando.
There was no reason given why the dynamic duo were absent, and those same reporters are saying the pair are due in Florida soon. However, it has to be disappointing for their teammates. After all, everyone is a little nervous about how the Covid-19 situation will play out and team unity is crucial right now.
One person who did make the trip is coach Mike D’Antoni. He is 69-years-old which puts him in the more dangerous category if he were to acquire Covid. However, he has no specific medical concerns and will coach the team wearing a mask.
D’Antoni’s contract expires after this season and all indications are that his job is on the line, needing a very good playoff run.
Rockets are the 4th-favorite to win the NBA title
The Rockets are +950 to win the NBA title at Winning Poker Network sportsbooks. That’s fourth in the league behind the Los Angeles Lakers (+225), Milwaukee Bucks (+287) and Los Angeles Clippers (+310).
Houston has a tough road with both L.A. teams located in the Western Conference. They’re also running an extreme ‘small ball’ lineup right now. Having the shortened season works in their favor that way because teams have less time to adjust to playing this smaller lineup.
Harden and Westbrook are two keys to the system, combining for over 60 PPG this season. It’s imperative that they join their teammates ASAP to help their title chances.
