ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Thunder 4/9/2019

Win this game and we have a clear path to the WCF. Must win game!

 

This game affects the seeding of 3 top 4 teams and all of the bottom 4 teams (where they want to dodge Warriors/Houston in round1).

Hopefully we don't throw up a dud because all eyes in the West will be watching this game.

If there was a must-win game in the regular season, this is it.

 

shame on you for even doubting the outcome of this game

 

Rockets are currently 1 point favourites against Thunder according to Bet365 sportsbook.

I am not as worried about meeting OKC in the playoffs as some of my fellow Rcokets fans. And I certainly don't believe my opinion will change no matter what happens in this game. That said I think we stand a good chance to win this last regular season game of the season.

 

I’m so nervous for tonight. It feels like a playoff game to me

 

I want Harlan and Webber

 

Well it does have major playoff ramifications, so in a way it is. It's a lot like on the last day of the 2015 regular season. The Rockets had a relatively easy final game at home that they had no trouble winning. But then they had to sit back and hope that New Orleans did us a favor with San Antonio(which they thankfully did) so the Rockets could get the 2nd seed and division title.

 

We have put together some nice momentum and everyone seems to be close to full strength health wise so like many of you I am nervous about this game as well. It is essentially meaningless. We are going to have to play some tough opponents regardless of what order to advance to the finals. It will be interesting to see how this game plays out. If I were HC I would be tempted to throw the end of the bench at OKC and let whatever happens happen. Keep everyone healthy and keep our heads straight going into the playoffs. I would love to see Harden win MVP but I think peoples minds are already made up. The last thing we need is for him to come out trying to put together another superhuman effort against essentially a dirty team with the potential of a compromised officiating crew and either have a crappy game or worse yet get hurt.

 

We blew the Clippers out of their own building on 2nd night of b2b.

And I don't think OKC is better than Clippers. Talent on paper yes, but as a cohesive team no.

 

It is NOT meaningless. Lose this one and there's a decent chance we wind up 4th. We'd still have home court and a very beatable opponent in Utah(more than likely). But we'd also be looking at the Warriors in the 2nd round. Both the Rockets and Thunder have a ton on the line tonight.

 

Officials for Rockets- Thunder tonight: Zach Zarba, James Williams ,Aaron Smith.

Only name I recognize is Zarba. Anyone know much about this crew? Just hoping for a consistent whistle

 

GO ROCKETS!!!

 

I recognize Zarba's name. Only because it always reminds me of Zabka(aka Johnny Lawrence). The fact that none of them stick out like Brothers or Foster is a good sign though.

 

zarba has been a problem for quite a few teams, but not as much for us. aaron smith is a young punk w/ a lot of missed/wrong calls

 

Whatever happened to that Foster the crook? Has he officiated a Rockets game since the last fiasco?

 

I predict some playing time for Chris Chiozza and Gary Clark tonight.

 

No, but he also had only officiated one game of ours this season prior to the Lakers debacle if I'm not mistaken. What terrifies me is that the league is saving him for the playoffs. At least make it a road game if that's the case.

 

I remember Zarba in that playoff series against Portland. He's not good. He is the official that KD was screaming "***** @*** mutha ******" at the other night.

James Williams is bad as well. He looks like Gucci Mane. He likes to swallow the whistle and anticipate calls rather than seeing them.

Don't recognize Aaron Smith so that's a good thing.

 

If we want to avoid the 4 seed, then yes it is.

 

Zarba calls fouls as he sees them. I expect harden to get to the line plenty tonight.