Will the Rockets hit 40 before 20 and be championship contenders?

That's just analytics. Phil Jackson never got the girls in high school. Oh, wait...

 

This is r****ded logic considering strength of schedule could be really easy in your first 60 games.

 

60 out of 82 games. Not really possible.

 

It's a good general rule of thumb, but it doesn't apply in all situations.

In our case, without Dwight we are not championship contenders. Period.

 

'Sup?

 

repped

 

start the parade

 

Gotta love public polls. Carl Herrera and J.R. both voted "No." How predictable.

 

It's awesome they're 40 before 20, especially with all the adjustments they've had to do (injuries/trades etc.) and I would have voted Yes, but I'm just not sure on the contender part yet. If Dwight is healthy though definitely have a shot.

I mean even w/o dwight still winning, but he'd definitely help out in 7 game series. I think Harden is the real deal though, so happy houston got him, hopefully this year he breaks out in the playoffs (for us) and silences the sorry critics.

 

^Meant would have voted "yes" but I missed poll entirely...

 

I respect Phil and think the 40-20 rule is cool. You look at the teams that do it, like last year's champions the Spurs, and you see it does do a decent job of sorting out the shakers from the fakers. If you look at this year's 40before20 teams, the Rockets are in very good company. And threats from behind that EPSN keeps trying to shove down our throat like OKC or the Cavs, both those teams lost last night. They're hot, then they're not, then injured and can't sustain a high winning percentage when stars are out. Rockets have passed the 40before20 milestone in the toughest division in the toughest conference with the toughest circumstances like having a max contract elite C out, or having a stud like TJ absent 2/3rds the season, or adding pieces & changing rotations throughout the season versus guys like Warriors or Hawks starting the season with a gelled fine-tuned roster. We did it 40-18. Why be opposed to Ws. 90s Rockets Championship teams didn't do it, but as they say "the exception proves the rule"

 

I got what you're saying, but the Rockets did do the 40 before 20 in 94 (first championship), and then in 95 snuck in to break the rule. Their record in 94 was 3rd in West (58-24), and at a quick glance/refresher reached 40 wins at a good pace: http://www.landofbasketball.com/results_by_team/1993_1994_rockets.htm

I agree with the Rockets doing a good job through injuries this season, the only thing odd is Cleveland has been hot lately and they gave Irving/LeBron the night off (against the pacers), I am pretty sure if houston let Harden have a night off it'd be a L as well (I'm not a Cleveland fan or something I just wouldn't loop them in with OKC, Thurs they rolled over GSW).

 

The Rockets are now the hottest team in the NBA. 4 in a row, 7-3 in the last ten. That's not incredible, but it's better than anyone else.

 

Give me 45 before 20.

 

I don't like our schedule coming up
Starting with Sunday where I'm pretty sure Lebron is gonna destroy us like he did to golden state.

 

No way. Not with Ariza, HarDen, and Brewer pestering him. Oh and this guy:

Spoiler

 

You doubter! This team is going 64-18!

 

I always vote negative and then wait to be pleasantly surprised.

Beats getting let down by over-confidence.