Let's assume we get off to a hot start and it is apparent by the trade deadline that we are clearly top 3 in the Western Conference. Because of the playoff seedings, if San Antonio is on top (and they probably will be), then obviously we are gonna be coming in at the #4 seed and are headed for a second round matchup with them. For us to avoid them (if I understand it right) we've got to drop to the 6th seed. If it is obvious going into the last month or couple weeks of the season that we are gonna make the playoffs, what are the chances of Van Gundy giving TMac and Yao some extended rest and maybe seeing if we can manuever down to that 6th seed position? If we don't get by SA, the best we can get is the 4th seed. The only advantage we may be giving up would be home court. But if it's clear we are the superior team to even the 3rd seed, then are we really losing anything by not having home court? Thoughts?
i want us to win as many games as possible, if we want to get to the finals we will have to defeat the spurs, so i do not care if we meet them in the wc semi final or the wc final. we will beat them
To be champions, the Rockets are going have to beat the Spurs no matter what seed they are. You can't carry the thought of trying to avoid the Spurs if your goal is to win a championship. That only shows that you are not confident that it can be done.
To be redundant- win all you can. The idea of giving Tracy less minutes this season is good-the other players could learn to manage wins without him giving soooo many minutes-hopefully...Then Tracy is fresher for the stretch...
We could possibly wait until after the season starts before discussing playoff positioning. Seriously, I see nothing wrong with wanting to avoid the Spurs. I wouldn't necessarily advocate the Rockets actively attempting to move down because I believe losing begets losing, but I wouldn't mind a #6 seed if we can't overtake them in the division. I want the easiest road to get there. Just like I was rooting for the Padres over the Cardinals in the NLDS. Not that I was scared of the Cardinals, but I'd rather play the "worse" team.
First round or third, the title goes through the Spurs. And since they are all 7-game series, it really doesn't matter what round we get 'em. Rox in 7
What I read from your post is you are more concerned with the Rockets getting to WCF and don't really believed that they can beat the Spurs.
Well, you're wrong. If things go as planned this season, I see no reason why we can't beat the Spurs, honestly. I think we match up fairly well with them. I just don't think there's any problem in hoping we don't even have to worry about them at all. If we end up the 4th seed and the Spurs are the #1 seed, would you rather play them or the #8 seed in the second round? I'll take the #8 seed any day of the week.
That's really something you can't worry about. We need to try and win as many games as possible, and win our division no matter how unlikely it is. What worries me more then playing the Spurs in the 2nd round is the possibility of having to play Phoenix in the 1st. The Suns are going to go most of the season without Amare so that will hurt their record. However, come playoff time Amare should be healthy and the Suns will be at full strength entering the playoffs as a low playoff seed. That would be a tough 1st round matchup.
Oh, I agree with that, which is why I said I wouldn't agree with trying for the #6 seed. Losing begets losing. Who will win that division, though? I think the Suns could win it even without having Amare on the team. I think a possible outcome would be the Spurs beating out the Rockets for the division, but another team having the #1 seed. The best team doesn't always finish first in the regular season.
Quit trying to take the easy way out. Who ever is the victom go for it. That's how confident I am about the Rockets.
