Prediction #4: Rockets Crash Out Of NBA Cup
The Rockets showed tremendous intensity in scrapping their way to the 2025 NBA Cup semi-finals. In theory, now that the team is better, they ought to have a shot at winning the whole thing. That will certainly be the expectation of many. However, they’re postseason contenders now and that takes precedent.
Of course, success in the NBA Cup certainly doesn’t prohibit playoff success. The Thunder reached the NBA Cup Finals and then won the NBA Finals that postseason. But that OKC team didn’t star a 37-year-old. Of course, it’s not as if Durant can’t get up for a few glorified regular-season games. Overall, in NBA Cup/in-season tournament action, he’s averaging 29.0 points on 59.8% shooting. However, Durant averaged just 18.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over two NBA Cup games last season.
The big problem isn’t Durant, though. Houston probably just won’t treat the games with the same intensity as last season. Last season, Udoka was trying to psych his young team up for their postseason debut under his tutelage. This season, the Rockets will likely choose to pace themselves, focusing on the most valuable prize instead.
