The NBA Finals are not over, but with the Warriors in complete command with a 3-0 lead, it is time to look ahead to next season. The Rockets came oh so close to playing for the title, but Chris Paul’s injury and the 0-for-27 3-point shooting streak in Game 7 ended their chances.

While changes will be coming this off-season, the presumption is Paul will return to the Rockets, once again making them contenders.

At least that is what the early 2019 title odds say.

According to sportsbettingdime.com, the Rockets are expected to be the second choice to win the Western Conference at around roughly 3-1, behind the favored Warriors.

The odds also seem to imply that Lebron James will not be returning to the Cavs. Obviously, where James winds up is part of the speculation and is factored in the odds.

The Warriors are about to close out their third title in four years, and will be favored to make it four out of five. But once again, the Rockets are expected to be part of the mix. It is early, and what happens in the off-season could sway things significantly. But early returns put the Rockets right there.

Again.