The Houston Rockets enter the 2017-18 season with lofty expectations. But what are some bold predictions that could come true this season? Let’s take a look.

After an offseason in which you add a nine-time All-Star (along with several quality defenders and bench players) to a team that won 55 games the year before, you’ll have high expectations. And that’s exactly what the Houston Rockets face this upcoming season.

Many are pointing to Houston as the team best suited to challenge the Golden State Warriors. It remains to be seen how the Rockets will mesh on the court, but they surely have the pieces to make a long playoff run.

There are also individual players that are looking to grow and take another step in their careers this season. Players such as Clint Capela, who is looking to make another jump in the hierarchy of centers. Even Chris Paul himself must prove that he can co-exist with James Harden and play at a faster pace in Mike D’Antoni‘s system.

When a team is as good as the Rockets are projected to be, it is tough to make bold predictions. Houston is expected (by many) to make a conference finals run. Harden and Paul are expected to put up eye-popping numbers. Everyone knows the Rockets will break their own record of 3-pointers attempted and made.

However, there is still room to grow for several players on the team, leading to these five bold predictions for the Rockets’ 2017-18 season.