Rockets blew out the Warriors once. The other games were both within 4 points or less. The only game that Andre Iguodala played against us, the Warriors won.
True, but Iguodala didn't really have much of an effect on that game. Harden went for 39 on him and we lost mainly because Dwight had probably his worst game of the season. It was also the 2nd night of a back-to-back on the road, which is never favorable.
There is a reasonable chance, given their respective schedules and the fact that Memphis gets to play both POR and GSW that Memphis lands up in the 5th spot. Hope not, as they are not a good matchup.
Right now we could face Portland, or G.S., or Phoenix, Dallas, or Memphis. And we have little control of that. I'd say the best thing is just to secure as best of a record as we can. Get 58 wins hopefully and let the chips fall where they may. If we end up with the number 3 seed, I am ok with that. SA is a scary team for a young team like ours. I'd prefer to go up against OKC despite how sick Durant is looking. Don't be fooled by regular season success against them, SA is a very strong team.
As long as we don't face the Clippers in the first round I don't care, we're pretty much finally making the 2nd round.
McHale faces the team that drafted him, then promptly traded him and Parish for Joe Barry Carroll. Drama.
Curry/Thompson are capable of hitting big shots. However the Rockets can beat them, even if they play well. The Rockets are the more talented team. The key with GS is the same as Memphis.... stick to your game plan, remain disciplined and defend. The Rockets can do that.
If you guys just go to the GS fan sites, you'd find that the playoff match-up the Warriors fans feared most is the Rockets, while some said it's the Thunder. While some of you are concerned that the Golden Boys might shoot the lights out on us, don't forget that we ourselves had tied the NBA record of 23 3-pointers made in one game against the Warriors last season. Also our perimeter defense this year is better.
No matter who we play, we're going to have to bring it to get to that second round.. I've only seen one Rockets team make it to the second round so far... Let's not jinx anything. LOL. That being said, we I agree that OKC, Clippers, and Memphis are probably the most dangerous in terms of matchups
Warrior fans would rather play Clippers or Spurs over the Rockets. These past 2 years we have dominated them for the most part, and will most likely stay the same in the playoffs. Rockets in 5 if it happens, their one win will be when David lee or Klay Thompson goes for 30.
After analyzing schedules, SOS, match ups, magic numbers, playoff odds and objective motivations of the 9 teams in the playoff race, I have concluded that the Rockets would remain at #4 seed, and that: 1) We won't meet GSW in the first round 2) The Grizzlies have no control of their destiny to get to #5 to meet us in the first round. 3) Unless the Grizz beat the Spurs in the first, they have no chance of meeting us in the second. The above predictions are based on no teams in the race would intentionally tank to get to certain spots for whatever reasons. And up to now I see no signs of that happening, including the Blazers who many say are in free fall. Seeding at the bottom four could change, or stay the way they are now, for the rest of the regular. With two games separating the five teams chasing after the bottom four seeds, it's just too close to tell, but my previous predictions regarding GSW and MEM still stand.
I'd rather play Portland, but I wouldn't worry too much about Golden State. They've underachieved all year.
