Recently, Jeff Teague stated on a program that the Houston Rockets have become one of the league's powerhouse teams, but they still aren't capable of threatening the defending champion Thunder.

Jeff Teague said: "Without a qualified starting point guard, a team struggles to maintain consistent ball control against elite defenses. That's why I believe the Rockets will find it difficult to compete with the Thunder. The Thunder will make them suffer... They'll constantly apply physical pressure on KD. Players like Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, and Alex Caruso will rotate defensively, making Houston's game incredibly difficult. This Houston team is already strong, but I don't think they can beat the Thunder."