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Bold prediction! The Rockets use this set of starters in the new season to at least enter the Western Conference Finals!

11:17pm, 14 May 2025Basketball

With the offseason player trading and lineup adjustments, all NBA teams are ready to fight for the new season. Among them, the Houston Rockets' new season prospects have attracted much attention. If the Rockets use a specific starting lineup, they are very likely to at least enter the Western Conference Finals in the new season and even launch a rush to the championship.

Ideal starting lineup analysis

Point guard: Fred Van Vritte

Van Vritte is experienced, has excellent ball control and organizational skills, and can effectively control the rhythm of the game. When he was with the Raptors, he showed his ability to stabilize his morale at critical moments. In the new season, he will also become the commander of the Rockets' backcourt, creating a large number of offensive opportunities for his teammates, and using his rich experience to help young players grow.

Scoring Guard: Jaylen Green

Green is talented and has super strong scoring ability, especially in terms of out-of-three-point line and breakthrough offense. After several seasons of polishing, his skills have become more mature and his game reading ability has been continuously improving. He is expected to become the main firepower point for the Rockets' offensive end in the new season.

Small Forward: Amen Thompson

Thompson has outstanding athletic ability and active defense, which is an important part of the team's defensive system. At the same time, his passing vision and fast breaking ability can also bring more offensive choices to the Rockets and drive the team to make efficient conversion attacks.

Power Forward: Jabarry Smith

Smith has comprehensive skills and a stable three-point shooting ability, which can open up the team's offensive space. He can also interfere with opponents' shooting with his outstanding height and wingspan on the defensive end, protect team rebounds, and provide guarantees for the Rockets' inside defense.

Center: Alperen Shenjing

Shenjing has solid inside skills and excellent support skills. He can attract double team members in the inside and create opportunities for his outside teammates. His presence can not only improve the Rockets' inside scoring ability, but also activate the team's overall offense.

Linework Advantage Analysis

The biggest advantage of this starting lineup is its balance and complementarity. From the offensive end, Van Vreet's organizational connection can activate the scoring ability of other teammates; Green and Smith's three-point shooting ability makes the opponent dare not easily shrink the defense; Shin Kyung's strong attack and support in the inside can enrich the team's offensive tactics. From the defensive end, Thompson's active defense and Smith's inside frame protection can build a solid defense line for the Rockets. In addition, this lineup has a reasonable age structure, including experienced Van Vreet and young players with unlimited potential, laying the foundation for the long-term development of the team.

The competitive situation in the Western Conference and the Rockets' prospects

The Western Conference has always been fiercely competitive, and teams such as the Nuggets, Thunder, and Clippers are all favorites to win the championship. However, this starting lineup of the Rockets has the ability to compete with any opponent. Facing Jokic of the Nuggets, Shin Kyung and Smith's defense in the interior can cause him some trouble; facing the powerful firepower of the Thunder and the Clippers, the Rockets' defensive system can also effectively limit the opponent's scoring. In the long regular season, the Rockets are expected to rank at the forefront of the Western Conference regular season rankings with the stability and depth of this lineup, laying a solid foundation for the playoffs. After entering the playoffs, the Rockets' starting lineup also has its own advantages when facing other strong teams in the West. Their defensive toughness and offensive diversity allow them to deal with their opponents in the series. Especially at critical moments, Van Vreet and Green's scoring ability can help the team break the deadlock and win the game.

To sum up, if the Rockets adopt this starting lineup in the new season, they will have the strength to reach the Western Conference Finals in terms of personnel configuration and tactical system. Of course, basketball games are full of variables, and the team still needs to stay healthy and keep running into the lineup during the long season, but from the perspective of paper strength and development potential, the Rockets' new season is worthy of fans' expectations.

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