With Amare down for half of the season with knee surgery. Where do we chime in for the season? That's anyone's guess, but it seems that the Kings are the early sole winner of the Pacific division until around the All-Star break. The Rockets have a ligit ability to reack no less than the 3rd spot in the West, primarily because the Spurs are expected to win the West and since we share the same division we cannot finish 2nd. EXPRESS YOURSELF CLUTCHFANS
We couldn't finish 3rd either in that scenario because there are now 3 divisions. And I'm tired of people putting SA at the #1 seed as a foregone conclusion. We're going to be awesome this year. Not saying that we'll be #1 for sure, but we'll be in the running.
We gave the Spurs trouble last year --- when we were definately not as good. Why is it so out of the question to give us a chance against them? All these people jumping to the conclusion that we have no chance is really annoying.
That's true, I guess we would finsh in the number 1 spot or the number 4 spot, but that would be so dissapointing. Worst case scenario, we finish in the 5th seed out of the homecourt contention. That's not going to fly here.
I agree with you wholeheartedly. They are the reigning champion and still look great on paper. But we splited with them last year, and with our new additions everyone so excited about, TMac and Yao having played one more year together, I don't see why we can't beat them. The beauty of sport is that it keeps surprising people, especially those "experts". As fans, we really need to have some more faith in the team and players, and dare to imagine the unimaginable Yes, they are strong and favorite by bookkeepers, but we are going to beat them.
That's what I was thinking. Can anyone explain the logic to the poll choices? Why can't I vote for all 4; they aren't mutually exclusive or anything.
To me this changes very little in the make-up of WC contenders. The Suns were already a heavily re-tooled team who would be in a transition year. Over-rated by all the sports writers. This'll make everyone's predictions look a LOT more genuine.
Hate to mention this, but San Antonio did pretty well in the off-season, too. Having Finley and Nick Not-So-Quick-(Anymore) as your first options off the bench? Phoenix will definitely backslide. How strong will Amare be when he returns? Healthy and well-rested (if rusty)? Or ready to tear through through the playoffs?
actually, if i'm not mistaken, the team with the better record regardless if they won their division or not always has homecourt. so if houston doesn't win the division but has a better record than their opponent who did win their division, houston still has homecourt. the advantage to winning your division is you get to play a lower seed.
(if the playoffs were determined by preseason power rankings) this changes nothing for us. we will still be 4th playing dallas in the first round and the spurs in the second. this changes a lot for the lower bracket in the west. denver should win thier division and pull down the 2 seed. the kings now look like they will pull down the 3 seed. i would assume both of them will play in the second round.
