I still don't think the Rockets will make the playoffs for the exact same reasons I had when I created this thread. This all comes down to my use of the words "no way". Obviously, I didn't (and still don't) have the power to make a literal guarantee that they wouldn't (or won't) make the playoffs. I am not God... not even a basketball semi-God and nobody should need to be reminded of that fact. You should have been able to realize that I was only stating my opinion in the OP and not handing down the 11th commandment. I meant (and mean) "I strongly don't believe the Rockets will make the playoffs" and I still feel the same way. It's not that the Rockets are a bad team compared to the entire league. I think they are slightly above average, overall. It is the crazy depth in the West that makes me believe they won't make the playoffs. The fact that the Rockets have played well recently is great. I am a Rockets fan and happy to see them winning games. I haven't missed more than a few games in the last 5 years. That doesn't mean I have to believe they will make the playoffs this season or refrain from expressing that opinion in this forum. Note: Old Man, you have been on my ignore list for the past few weeks. You are the only person in this forum that has received that honor. The only way I get the fortune of reading your posts is when others reply to you. I don't mind disagreement at all. I lexpect it and look forward to it as long as people are able to debate without filling every post with childish, personal insults.
The problem with your original post is you were NOT objective in your analysis and you did NOT take a few factors into consideration when attempting to make your point. 1a. The Rockets played the toughest schedule and most road games (first 30 of the season out of the gate). Hmmm ... that could be a problem, err ... factor as to why they started out not very good. 1b. The flip side of that point then is this, there's a law of averages. The Rockets got screwed early, so the schedule will eventually give us a break and give us at least a fighting chance to get back into the picture. Again, POV's that you either did not or chose not to recognize as being significant for a portion of the reason for our auspicious start. You just gave a blanket statement that the Rockets have NO CHANCE! No basis of justification for your assertion. That's ridiculous! I mean you did not actually expect everyone to go along with what you said, did you? 2. New coaching staff and at least offensively, completely new philosophy with our attack. Couple nagging injuries and again, issues with continuity leading to a poor start to the season. 3. Free agent pickups (James and Francis) largely not contributing. Had to resort to rookies taking and contributing significant roles toward sparking this team back into contention. Like I said before, dude. If you want to believe in the Rockets, you will and if you don't, you won't. You made mention of what does it take to start a good thread, first of all, the position you take (pro or con) defend it! Actually give some significant, factual evidence to legitimize your position. I understand that the aforementioned is merely your opinion but, if you are not able to even half heartedly justify your opinion with a smidgen of factual data your opinion comes across very weak and your opinion will largely be derided and ignored by the veterans here on the board. BTW, we are officially back on the playoff map. Like I said previously, if the Rockets lose no more than 3 games this month, we will be firmly esconced back in the playoff picture no doubt much to your chagrin. Evenmoreso, we may even be knocking back on the penthouse door to the division, it could STILL happen. Games upcoming of significance for the next week: Feb 9th: Chicago @ Utah Feb 10th: SA@Boston Dallas@NJ Denver@Cleveland Feb 11th: SA@Toronto Feb 12th: NO@Chicago Feb 13th: Denver@Orlando Portland@Dallas Phoenix@GSW Utah@Seattle Feb14th: Dallas@Phoenix Personally I see the Rockets gaining at least 1 to 1 1/2 games on practically everyone within the division. So, ... Possible scenario come ASB NO 33-15 (2-1)= 37-16 Dal 34-15 (0-3)= 34-18 SA 32-16 (0-3)=32-19 Hou 29-20 (3-0)=32-20 Dallas upcoming: @NJ-if they can stub their toe twice with Wash., this is possible to happen, then play Portland at home (another iffy one) and then play @Phoenix-LOSS! Dallas may have an elite record but, I just still doubt that they're an elite team! There's a confidence issue with this team IMO! SA upcoming: OUCH! @Boston, @Toronto and @Cleveland. Could be a very bad week for SA! SA has really aged this year and we're starting to see definite cracks in the foundation. So yes... the Rockets could be up to 3rd by the ASB and we still have some 10 days to go in the month. Law of averages, BB! This is the time of year where the contenders are separated from the pretenders! We'll just have to see where the Rockets go from here ...
Why is hard to see the Nuggets not making the playoffs? If anything, they belong grouped with the Rockets, Warriors, Blazers, etc.
Maybe because you have more faith in players on other teams than players on your 'own' team? Maybe because anyone who made that proclamation at that point had 'quit' on his own team? Maybe because you were running around rubbing your opinion in other's faces... claiming 'victory' ... as if it were already fact? Heh ... just wild guesses.
You still did not get it. OK, someone is informed he has HIV, his first reaction is: What? No way! This is denial. Then more and more people tell him the same thing, he starts to bargain: What if...? Could it be wrong? When the expert shows him the evidences, he then compromises. He finally accepts it when he has symptoms. Your compromise will come in some days. We will be all happy when you accepts it.
OP was right about one thing, Hornets, Nuggets, Jazz, Lakers, Suns, Spurs, Mavericks should all make the playoffs. That leaves just one spot left for the Rockets. Houston will have to beat the Warriors, Blazers, and Clippers to advance to the post season.
Senseless... especially the third "maybe". There is no reason to apologize for stating an opinion in an open forum. There is a reason to apologize for personally insulting people because of their opinion. I'm not saying you did but others have which accomplishes nothing more than degrading the integrity of this forum.
Because the teams are all so close together, it is likely the 8th playoff spot wont be decided until the final games of the regular season. Fortunately I think the Warriors might fall out of contention because they have an extremely tough April schedule. Check out this brutal stretch of games to close out the season: 4/5 Hornets (road) 4/7 Rockets 4/8 Nuggets (road) 4/11 Lakers (road) 4/12 Mavericks 4/14 Suns 4/15 Blazers (road) 4/17 Blazers 4/19 Jazz (road) end of regular season
The Spurs, Mavs, Jazz, Suns, Lakers, Hornets should all make the playoffs if their health hold up. That leaves 4 teams fighting for 2 spots. I don't know why everyone thinks so highly of the nuggets, that team isn't very good. There's also a slight chance the Hornets free fall, it's slight because they have a real easy schedule coming up. Of course injuries play a big part, look at the Lakers record sans Bynum. Imagine if NO lost Paul for a couple of weeks, you don't know what's going to happen in the race so don't call it so early.
That is brutal but do you remember what the Warriors did in the 2nd half of last season and down the stretch?
I couldn't say better, perfect "maybe". BrooksBall, just take a look some of your prevous posts: As I said in my previous post (post #480). If Rox do make the playoffs later, there is no reason for you to apologize to other Rox fans, but there are many good reasons for you to apologize to the Rockets for talking down (insulting) them, because you called yourself a Rox fan. Nevermind, if you are not a Rox fan. BTW, I really like your posts. Since this thread, Rox has a 9-1 record. Good job Sir! .
