Stop overthinking first round matchups. Getting 2nd seed would mean the Rockets are on fire! It means we get HCA for two rounds. And it likely means Harden wins MVP. But most important is we would be hitting on all cylinders to overtake SAS.
The Rockets have 23 games remaining, The Spurs have 25 games remaining. The Spurs are currently 5 games ahead of the Rockets in the loss column. San Antonio remaining schedule and likely result: Feb. 26 @ Lakers - W Mar 1 vs Pacers - W Mar 3 @ Pelicans - W Mar 4 vs T-Wolves - W Mar 6 vs Rockets - L Mar 8 vs Kings - W Mar 9 @ Thunder - L Mar 11 vs Warriors - L Mar 13 vs Hawks - W Mar 15 vs Trailblazers - W Mar 18 @ Grizzlies - L Mar 19 vs Kings - W Mar 21 @ T-Wolves - W Mar 23 vs Grizzlies - W Mar 25 vs Knicks - W Mar 27 vs Cavaliers - L Mar 29 vs Warriors - W Mar 31 @ Thunder - W Apr 2 vs Jazz - W Apr 4 vs Grizzlies - W Apr 5 vs Lakers - W Apr 7 @ Mavericks - W Apr 8 vs Clippers - L Apr 10 @ Portland - W Apr 12 @ Jazz - L If they go 18-7 over the next 25 games they will have roughly a .720% winning percentage during that stretch which is well under their season average. Not saying that this is realistic, or that they couldn't possibly lose a few more of these games but I think this is a reasonable forecast for them. In order for the Rockets to take the 2nd seed under these circumstances they would need to go 21-2 the rest of the way. The game at San Antonio would also be a must win game to prevent them from taking the tie breaker. Could it happen? I sure as hell hope so but for that the Rockets will need to play the best basketball we've seen since the 22 game streak.
HCA in the second round is important. But catching SAS is not likely. First round opponent will be tough no matter what: Jazz, Clippers, Grizzlies, and Thunder. None is a guaranteed pass.
It's too late, we blew a chance at the 2nd seed by not showing up in too many games earlier in the season. Even if we win out, it's unlikely. They'd have to go on a major losing stretch. Which is too bad because having HCA in the 2nd round would really increase our chances at the WCF.
Pretty much. Doesn't really matter 2 or 3. You need to be able to win on the road to win a championship regardless of what seed you are. All the overthinking about seeding
I seem to recall a team that didn't have hca for any of the four match ups. HCA is overrated. The better indicator is what team is playing better as a unit and which team has the "best player on the court". But as the '86 Rockets remember in the wcf, they didn't have the best player or hca and still beat showtime Lakers. ...oh and some luck helps. Lace up and play. I like our odds, regardless.
I don't mind being the second seed , but if there is a choice between going all out for 2nd vs resting players I'd choose rest.
not having brewer also helps i would rather us have 3-4 th seed than have 2nd seed and play brewer rotation minutes
If we don't get 2nd seed, Harden's MVP is not secure. We're realistically not going to beat GSW in a 7 game series unless their key players get injured/suspended or we're on fire throughout the entire series.
They aren't making the playoffs with, Brewer or not, let alone going to the WCF. And I'm happy for them.
This. I think it's too late to catch up given we are like 5 games back. Jan/Feb kinda killed our chances. Just need to play well and with confidence and we will be fine
important thing is to lock up the 3 seed early so we can rest players for a week or two before playoffs start
4 games back with 23 games Togo? Not likely to happen. ... oh wait it's the Spurs? Definitely not happening.
