with espn reporting that kobe is going to be out for possibly the next 9 laker games, that is a good chance for the rockets to gain a hold on one of the lower rung playoff spots. the next few teams they have to play are also interesting: Jan 28 New Jersey Jan 30 Charlotte Tue 1 Portland Thu 3 San Antonio Sun 6 @ Houston Mon 7 @ Atlanta Wed 9 @ New Jersey Thu 10 @ Detroit Sun 13 @ Cleveland I could see them splitting wins with new jersey and losing to the spurs / rockets / pistons / cavs. If they were to lose 5 times within the next 9 games and we continue on our winning streak, I think we could at least have a fairly substantial cushion on the 8th seed within the next few weeks.
If its true that Kobe is out for the next 9 games then I can see them going something like 3-6 in that stretch.
I don't know about you all, but I would rather not make it to the 6th seed due to another team's misfortune. I want the Rockets to make it there against teams at full strength, with no unfair advantage. Wait a minute- who am I kidding? Winning is all that matters. Here's to more injuries for the Wolves, Grizzlies, Lakers, Mavericks and Kings. Yeah!!!!!!
Remember, Memphis is playing really well and the T'Pups have seemd to picked it up. So, if the Lakers faulter the next few weeks, they could easily fall below the 8th spot. The Rockets have a tough schedule ahead as well, so we can't just pencil them in the 6th spot while Kobe's out. But hey, anything that helps is great!
I think Lakers is playing better as a team without Kobe Bryant. Atkins, Odom and Butler are way more effective with more touches on the floor. I think it's not probable that they go 3-6 in that stretch unless there have further injuries.
Getting the 6th seed would be great. I would much rather see the Rockets face the Sonics than the Spurs or the Suns. After todays loss we are back at the 7th playoff spot.
They could very easily lose to the Spurs, Rockets, Cavs, Pistons, and the Blazers. They already lost to the Nets today so i think its very possible that they go 3-6 (the other games against the Nets, Hawks, and Bobcats wont be easy wins without Kobe either). The Rockets need to take advantange of that and start another winning streak.
