I will be very happy with 5-3 record. The reason is days of rest. Only 6 days for first four games After a 3 day break, 4 games in 7 days. Utah Jazz and Bucks are on tail-end of a B2B. One of those is a sure loss.
So Long break, could put some rust on houston. But if they can atleast go 6-2 they might be ok. But they will have to go on a big win streak or get hot near the end of march and april. Thats why warriors are impossible to match with, i Think for every 7 wins you can only lose 2 lol. The boston game at home could be close, depends on the final mins, i see houston pleasing the crowds. So i say 6-2.
My predictions: Minnesota - W at Denver - W at Utah - W at Clippers - W Boston - L at Oklahoma - L at Milwaukee - W at Toronto - L
My predictions: MIN - Should be a win if there's no post All-Star Break hangover. The T'Wolves are a weak 12-18 on the road and the Rockets are 2-0 against them this season, winning both games by 18. @Den - Should also be a win. The Rockets have dominated the Nuggets this season winning their first matchup by 30 and the second by 26. Those were both at Toyota Center, but this seems to be a bad matchup for Denver. @UTA - A brutal B2B against a team that's on just as big a tear as the Rockets. I know the Rockets have destroyed Utah in all 3 matchups this season including one in Salt Lake City, but I predict a loss here. @LAC - The Rockets will exact revenge in this one. The first two matchups resulted in losses, but CP3 and Capela were out for the first and Harden missed the second. BOS - The Celtics have been slumping and the Rockets know they own them some payback for the Brothers-Smart Screwjob. @OKC - Another payback opportunity for the Rockets. CP3 was out for the Christmas Day game and Roberson won't be around to harass James. @mil - Another tough B2B. And the Rockets have had their issues in that arena over the years. They should be slight favorites, but I'll say the Bucks pull off the upset. @Tor - This one is no joke. The Raptors have the best home record in the NBA and 3rd best overall record. And the Rockets almost always seem to lose in Toronto. I'll chalk this one up as a close loss. I'll say 5-3. Maybe 6-2 if they can beat Milwaukee. Anything better than that and I'm gonna start to feel really optimistic about getting that #1 seed.
For what seems like the first time this season we will get to see a fully healthy team. That could be interesting because the Rockets are deeper than maybe ever.
“The next one games are tough” —Every team we play for the rest of the season. I AM THE ONE WHO KNOCKS
It freakin AMAZES me that we have a record of 44-13 and CP has missed EIGHTEEN games!!!! I know there's been other injuries as well but we have the best record in the league and our 2nd best player has missed that many games!! Very impressive!!!!
I take 7 wins of 8 games. Playoffs are completely different. Why did Rockets lose Game 6 at home to Spurs without Leonard? Does anyone think it is playoff coaching issues?
The next 8 games are tough, no question. But it will be a good litmus test for the Rockets against quality competition on multiple nights. Get the team "playoff ready" in that aspect. It will allow the team to optimize their rotations against quality opponents. We'll see how they do, but it will be good for them. Looking forward to the challenge.
