I think best-case scenario for the Rockets is the second or third seed. As mentioned, this would keep us away from the Lakers until the WCF. Also, we'd have HCA against probably the Blazers or Mavs, two teams that I think we would be best-suited to play. The Rockets definitely look like they could make this happen, too.
I honestly think now that McGrady is out, that monkey is not as significant. The team can just go out there and focus on playing hard with great defensive intensity. This team has a solid defensive core (Battier, Artest, Hayes and Lowry) right now. The rest of this season will obviously build more chemistry because of the continuity of the roster. They're playing a better brand of basketball (TEAMBALL) without McGrady having to dictate everything (scoring, playmaking etc). I think this is the best squad we've had in a Very very long time. If we only get to the 2nd round and out, I'd be disappointed.
ok here how i think the west is going to end up: (1)Lakers vs. (8)Mavericks (2)Spurs vs. (7)Hornets (3)Rockets vs. (6)Blazers (4)Jazz vs. (5)Nuggets I believe the Jazz will win the Northwest but we will have a better record than them. The Nuggets will fall to the 5 seed and so will the blazers and hornets. The third seed will give us portland and a reat chance to advance but the next round would be the Spurs hopefully NO would take them to 7 games like last year. what do you guys think??
i think that is a realistic and favorable scenario. But again, I will reiterate that this team can compete with the best of them. In fact, I have this feeling the Rockets would play even more out of their minds against a better opponent (Spurs, Lakers). That is why I am not too concerned in who they end up playing. I believe the Rockets are good enough to go through anybody.
The ideal seed is 2/3 spot but also depends on who we play in the 1st round. Most likely we well end up with the 3rd. I Just hope we dont meet jass first because Okur is the pain in Yao's ass. My guess is: Lakers Spurs Rockets Nuggets Blazers Hornets Jass Mavericks
i agree with you in saying the rockets step up their play vs. better teams like the Boston game but facing a young unexperienced team will help us get over that hump and give us momentum to face the spurs
That's a good point, I never thought about it from that perspective. I think (and let me knwo if you agree) that the biggest factor is Yao regardless of who we play. Last night Aldridge (while maybe holding) completely made Yao a non-factor in establishing position. My question is this: Why don't all teams do that for 48 min since that obviously works? Do you think Yao would be able to adjust during a series?
The ideal seed is ONE, but number 2 or 3 would be ok too, ....four is risky as it is just about an even matchup with 5.....but still better. I am hoping for 2 but realistically 3. DD
Yeah Yao is our best player and will be the biggest factor regardless of who we play. Teams I think believe that they can play behind Yao when fronting him is the best way to defend him. If we end up playing Portland Yao will have to adjust and also the passer into Yao. If Yao would be a little more atheletic they could lob it to him around the basket for a lay up but with Yao it would be better just shooting the three ball and if we miss he will have inside position for the OB and put back but we'll see
Why do folks want to avoid LA in round 2? The consolation prize is SA....not much better. I could see if the consolation prize were a easy for to the WCF, but that's not the case. Any team that doesn't have the #1 seed will have to knock off SA and LA to get to the Finals unless some major upset happens. We need to pray that somehow SA falls to #4 and they battle in round 2.
If we can avoid the Lakers, Jazz, or Spurs in the first round the Rockets should be O.K. If they can make the second round they will be "free stroking" and could be a real threat. The pressure will be off.
The Rockets will gladly face the Jazz, Spurs or Lakers. None of those teams are scary. The Rockets have arguably the best lockdown defenders in the league.....all on one team....to go along with efficient offense. DD was right in that the Rockets are a darkhorse this year (as they seem to be every year), but this year, they really have the cajones to do some real damage against any of those teams you mentioned. The Lakers fans are probably salivating over a matchup with the Rockets although little do they know that those 2 wins against the Rockets this year are regarded as "Asterisks". They don't want to face the squad and chemistry we have now.
I agree. I don't see why geting Boozer back makes the Jazz so scary. I'm well aware of their back to back wins over Boston and L.A, but they are far from intimidating. We will win the season series either 4-0 or 3-1. Give us the Jazz, home court, and some good officiating and 1st round will be a piece of cake. Rockets all day!
Just to add, I don't expect the Rockets to give up 50+% shooting like they did earlier this season. The defense has picked up and I believe their defensive chemistry will only get better going into the post season. So teams like Lakers and Cavs will be facing a different animal in the Rockets when they play them again.
It's a little bit off the topic, but I do not think the fronting is a defense approach you can use more than 10 minutes. It's a gamble and more of a surprise factor. The Rockets should just be prepared.
in most cases I would agree that it's a gamble, but seems that the Rockets with Yao is the exception. Last night, when Yao was being neutralized by Aldridge, I consistently saw a Portland defender cheating on the backdoor to prevent any lob passes. Because of Yao being too slow to react to a weakside defender if/when he receives a lob, it would not be much of a gamble on the part of the opposing team. Correct me if I'm wrong about this. Secondly, even if what you say is true about using that approach for 10 min or less in a game, the opposing team can and will use that approach during the last 6 min stretch (ala last night) when it matters most. The Rockets and Yao really need to figure out what they are going to do when that happens in the closing minutes of the 4th quarter, because I can guarantee every team they face will be aware of that weakness.
Right on the money with the thread, ideal the 3 but dont want the 4 or 5 because of lakers. Would take 6 to avoid 4/5. I also realize we have to actually win the first round this year to play the lakers, but this is for a playoff run.
As long as we dont get the 8th seed (against LA) I'll be happy. I really doesnt matter what seed we get, rather our match up.
actually, i dont think it matters who we face. even if we face the jazz i think we can beat them and when we do, that will be a huge confidence boost. call me delusional, but i think if we just take it one game at a time and play solid D then the opposing team is irrelevant. the only team we havent proven ourselves against is the Celtics. I think thats more of a psychological thing that dates back to the 80s tho.
