Prediction #2: Rockets Will Lead NBA In Fights/Suspensions
Amen Thompson has already managed to get himself into one fight before the season even started. Scuffle might be a more appropriate term.
He and New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado had an altercation that surprisingly resulted in zero ejections. It continues a trend from the previous two Udoka seasons, which were replete with fracases, commotions, kerfuffles, bruhahas, and spats.
The one flaw in this prediction is that the Rockets traded WWE-like heel Dillon Brooks during the offseason. Not only does that mean they don’t have him, but another team will. Will Brooks’ new team, the Phoenix Suns, suddenly become the feistiest team in the league, though? It seems a little unlikely.
Jabari Smith Jr. is another Rocket whose temper has flared, and Tari Eason is a quintessential instigator. Even the famously pacifying Adams got into it at one point last season. In the wake of losing Brooks, the team will be especially keen to retain their physical and aggressive identity. That could tip them over into even more of these types of belligerent incidents.
