Last Season:	34-48
Preview prediction:	N/A
Oddsmakers:	46-36

Houston had the most disappointing season in the league last year. After most experts predicted that they would finish just behind San Antonio in the Western Conference, injuries and poor performances landed them in the Southwest Division cellar. Rockets Blast is hoping that this won't happen again in 2006-07:

TMAC says he feels zero pain in his back and is poised and ready to return to an MVP-level of play. His off-season workout routine dropped 15 pounds off his body and strengthened his core muscle groups to better withstand the rigors of an 82 game schedule.

Wait, McGrady needed to lose 15 pounds?

It's clear that the Rockets have one of the best inside-outside tandems around with Yao and McGrady, but they have so far been unsuccessful in finding a quality supporting cast. For instance, the number of different guards that have appeared in Houston's backcourt over the last 2 seasons is staggering:

This year, the first question is whether Yao and McGrady can stay healthy. If that happens, and if Bonzi Wells and Shane Battier can contribute as expected, it's easy to imagine Houston re-emerging as a real contender. Then again, you could have said the same thing last year about Rafer Alston and Stromile Swift.