Looking at their schedule, I see the Nugs likely going 10-7 the rest of the way. To get the #2 seed, we'd have to go 13-4, and one of our wins would have to be our only remaining head-to-head matchup against them.
Up 2-1 with one more matchup (March 28th @ Toyota) Capela DNP'd the Loss -- Jokic struggles against him.
The playoff standing tiebreakers are: 1. Better record in head-to-head games 2. Division winner 3. Higher winning percentage within division (if teams are in the same division) 4. Higher winning percentage in conference games 5. Higher winning percentage against playoff teams in own conference 6. Higher winning percentage against playoff teams in opposite conference 7. Higher point differential between points scored and points allowed If the Nugs win that last head-to-head matchup and we end up with the same season records, it looks like the relevant tiebreaker would be winning % in WC games. Denver currently leads us there, 28-14 to 22-17. Also, I just realized the Rockets have the 2nd best record in the league against teams .500 or above. Only the Bucks have done better. Meanwhile, our record against teams under .500 is right in the middle of the league. That tells me that we play down to bad teams, which shouldn't be a problem in the playoffs.
Nuggets schedule is tough I think we have a legit shot at 2nd place which is right where I want to be especially if The spurs can get that 7th seed, their only a game back. I would have thought the 2nd seed was out of touch at the allstar break but here it is prime for the taking. Rockets next 9 games, only 7 are against teams with winning records. We have a pretty cake schedule tbh only real toss up games are GS, bucks, okc and nuggets. I feel very confident that we win atleast 2 of those 4. I really think we smoke the bucks, GS I think gets us and the nuggets should be interesting. Okc who knows seeing as it’s the last game of the year. It might mean nothing to both teams. Rockets could go 15-2 to close out the season, Assuming health. Once manimal gets back on the court this team imo is deeper more talented and just flat out better than last years. We’re a stacked team and I love what nene is bringing to the table lately. Our D is getting very good again and should only get better with shumpart and soon enough Faried back. I know Kenneth is not the bests defender but he hustles provides rim protection and rebounds which is key to having a great D. Hardens also been sneaky really good on D this year. I don’t even think he’s neutral I think he’s a positive on that end now. Rockets have two outcomes this year. Winning a chip or losing to GS in 7. I don’t see any other options.
