Finally Rockets starting to get cred, but still doubting... Power Rankings Link 1. Lakers Off: 112.5 (5), Def: 89.5 (1) -- It looks like the talk about focusing on defense wasn't just lip service, and Saturday's win in Denver of an example of how defense can get you a win when you aren't shooting well. Outrebounding your opponent 15-3 on the offensive boards helps too. 2. Hornets Off: 116.0 (4), Def: 105.1 (17) -- Losing Tyson Chandler and Peja Stojakovic to ankle injuries this early is obviously a concern, but it does give the Hornets' bench, which we questioned just a week ago, some extra time to develop. Starting for Peja, Rasual Butler came up big in Saturday's win over the Cavs. 3. Rockets Off: 103.4 (18), Def: 91.3 (3) -- The Artest era couldn't be off to a better start and you all did a great job in voting for Tuesday's matchup with the Celtics for Fan Night. After that, it's a five-game trip that includes matchups with the Lakers, Suns and Spurs. Let's see how these Rockets really stack up.
Our schedule is brutal. If it were 2-4 months into the season, this would be a great test without excuses but because it's not, I have an one: We need time to gel. And finally an article that doesn't overrate the Celtics. I really don't think they are that great. They just had the Lakers #. If they played the Hornets last year, it might have been a different outcome. It's all about match-ups, I guess
I look at Boston and I look at the Rockets rosters, and I just feel like the Rockets SHOULD be better than them and will be by seasons end. Once we get a healthy Battier back, and Tmac continues to work his way into form, this team will be scary. Assuming the defense holds up like we expect, the Rockets add an arsenal of the league's hottest firepower to a premier defense. Health and building chemistry is big, but Boston got good overnight. This Rockets team, core intact, has literally been knocking on the door of greatness with nobody home for the last two years. No excuse (barring health) for the Rockets not to become the league's best. After a little gel time, I would stack our starpower and bench against Boston's anyday of the week. Here's to hoping I don't eat my words tomorrow night!
Wow, this really caught my eye. I'm sure they'll improve over this...of course, where else CAN they go but up.
I will take this over the ESPN one. At least they have us higher then Celtics when we are 3-0 and boston 2-1. The lakers and NO had tougher opponents in those 3 games than us, but after we beat the celtic tomorrow we would be ranked 1.
this kind of power ranking i can actually look at because it at least has some sort of stats to look at too. it is interesting to see that right now the spurs are the worst defensive team in the league.
You know what the most important thing in that ranking was... The name of the man to blame for our crappy scheduling every year. Matt Winick You're on Notice!
