While nothing is certain, It's looking more and more likely that the Rockets will end up as the 3rd seed in the West. Catching Golden State seems highly unlikely, barring a major injury or two. It wouldn't be a crazy feat if we were to catch San Antonio for 2nd, but to do so we would likely have to finish a full game better than them, given the head to head record. In addition, we all know how the Spurs have shown a consistent ability to really turn up their level of play towards the end of the season. It would likely require the Rockets to play .800 basketball for the remainder of the season just to have a legitimate shot at the 2nd seed. With Chris Paul's injury and the Clippers schedule over the next few weeks, it's very possible that they could slide to as far down as the 6th seed...meaning a potential first round opponent for Houston. There are four teams who are all fighting for the 4-5-6-7 seeds and I don't think any of those three teams are likely to fall outside the top 7. So, of those teams (Grizzlies, Jazz, Clippers, OKC) which one would you want the Rockets to play in the first round and most importantly WHY?
Personally, I see all four as tough. The Clippers and Grizzlies both seem like teams you'd really like to avoid in the first round, if at all possible. Both of those teams could take the Rockets to 7 games, if not win. The Clippers could be at full strength by then and would want revenge in the worst way. The Grizzlies have already proven to be a very challenging opponent and would present some real challenges for the Rockets offensive flow. I think Houston would still be slight favorites in those series, but every game would be very tough. The Thunder would play us fairly close and have legit playoff experience. The Jazz are also a dangerous opponent, but I see them as a slight step below Memphis and LA. Utah's defense, anchored by Rudy Gobert, would really give Harden and the Rockets fits. However, I think in a 7 game series the Rockets would prevail. So my choice, although a tough one, would be Utah.
My thoughts haven't changed since last time this was polled. I think we can beat anyone except the Spurs and Warriors so I'm not optimizing for ease of matchup. And I think we owe the Jazz a fishing trip after falling to them the last four times we've met.
Why aren't the OKC Thunder listed... that's who I prefer..... I think the Jazz and Grizzlies give us major problems with their front court size and the Clippers have a lot of talent if healthy.... OKC has the front court size but other than WB they aren't very talented.
Thunder. Jazz could handle us easily as we are currently constructed. Clippers and Grizzlies would be tossups.
Definitely OKC since they have a guy who constantly makes mistakes in critical situations. Plus, it'll be fun to see how NBA blows it up. MVP vs Runner Up.
The Western Conference is still pretty insane. Utah, Memphis and LAC (at full strength) would all be a pretty brutal series. And, assuming we won, we would be rewarded with a most likely matchup against SA. I'm a biased Rockets homer, but I think the Rockets would have a good chance in a series against any of those teams. But if forced to choose, I would choose OKC... And then maybe hope that Westbrook feels sick. Nothing serious. Just enough to keep him from playing for about 4 games.
A lot depends on health too.... odds are at least one of the teams 4 - 7 will be dealing with injuries coming into the play-offs...
My apologies. I just feel like that four team range is nearly set in stone, which hasn't been the case in the past.
Clippers. Only because it would be fun to bounce those guys out in the first round. It just feels good beating the Clippers.
I don't think so at all. A ton can happen with 40+ games left. And not to mention being separated by 3-4 games in between those seeds. a multi game losing streak drops a team just as quick
Memphis would beat us. Utah would be a bad matchup and wear us down. The Clippers we would beat. OKC - we would easily beat. DD
Three days ago, I would have said that the Clippers were the one team out of those four that had the ability to catch us for the 3rd seed...obviously, I no longer believe that. I also don't see Portland or Sacramento or an outsider like Minnesota moving up past the 8th seed. So my point was that those four teams, while they may move around within seeds 4-7, are near locks to stay in that exact range. The order within that range is debatable.
