Based off what? Their kicking the Rockets arse 4 games in a row? Quite simply, the Mavs would destory us. Bibby isn't near the pentrator that Nash is and Webber doesn;t have the SF skills at the PF position that Dirk has - the two reasons why the Mavs kick our butts every time we play. Nash penetrates all over the place and finds Finely or Raja Bell, or, cringe, Shawn Bradley (who apparently can hit a 10+ foot jumper) or Dirk, who, can simply post up or put in on the floor by himself (sidenote, in 4 games against the Mavs this season, Dirk pump fakes on about 85% of his shots - in 4 games, the Rockets still didn't figure this out - bad scouting??). If I had to choose one, I'd much rather it be the Kings (especially given that Vlade relies way too much these days on his little tricks, and it took Yao all of one game to figure those out).
I like your point, but just wanted to remind you that one other player has been in the NBA playoffs before. In fact, he took the last shot that the Rox have taken in a playoffs. Our own Cat Mobley (vs. the Lakers when Pipsqueak was on the team).
I will take any team other than the Mavs. Mavs just totally own Rockets right now. Here is why: 1. Nelson clearly out-coached Rudy T. In all 4 games, Rockets played better or close in the first half. But Nelson made adjustments in the second half to blow out Rockets. 2. Mavs is a team full of terrific shooters. Dirk, Nash, Finley, NVE, even LaFrentz. Rockets defends well on the inside, but just sucks in the parimeter. 3. Mavs zone defense, with Bradley/LaFrentz is the middle, works really well against Rockets. Rockets don't have that many variety on offensive sets to beat the zone. Rockets also shoot poorly on the parimeter. All Mavs got to do is to clog the paint with their big guys to stop the penetration. Bradley/LaFrentz was doing a good job playing physical with Yao in the last game few games. Rockets odds against Mavs: 20% vs 80% Rockets actually have a good chance of beating other WC playoff teams. <b>Kings.</b> Somehow we match up with Kings very well. Season series 2-1 so far. The only loss was the first time we met them, where Rockets had lots of TOs and Yao was inexperience with Divac and exhaused from 9-day roadtrip. They cannot stop Yao in the inside. They cannot stop Francis/Mobley's penetration. On the other hand, Rockets can defend Kings well in the inside. Kings are not best known for their parimeter shooting abilities, nor half-court offense. Rockets need to go slow with them, and keep the TO low. Rocket odds: 55% vs 45% <b>Spurs.</b> Season 1-1. We blew them out at home. We lost to them on the road, in a close game where our bench almost pulled out a win, also in the middle of worst losing streak and Yao is his rookie wall. Spurs don't have lots of scoring options, mainly Duncan and Parker. The key is to stop Duncan. Rudy T need to put Yao on Duncan, cuz he is really Spurs' post player. Look how Duncan struggles against Bradley. Also put Mobley on Parker. Rocket odds: 60% vs 40% <b>Blazers.</b> Season 1-1. We haven't played them since they started playing hot and Pippen started playing point. Blazers are full of good players, with their chemistry seem finally working. Rockets odds: 40% vs 60% <b>Lakers.</b> Season 2-1. Season 2-1. Rockets match the Lakers well too. Yao is the only center in the league that could match with Shaq. Kobe will get his points. So will a healthy Francis/Mobley. Laker's advantage of playoff experience. Rockets advantage is more depth. Rockets odds: 45% vs 55% I am skipping other teams cuz we are unlikely to meet them in the playoffs.
I don't want to play the Mavs because I don't want to see Cuban prancing around after every good Mavs play. Honestly I think by the end of the season Sac would be a worse match-up for us. What we forget is I think the Mavs have only won 1 playoff series in recent memory, and the Kings spanked them pretty good last year. Playoff ball becomes much more methodical, and defense becomes more important. Sac isn't great in interior defense like the Lakers or Spurs can be--but they can clamp down a whole lot better than the Mavs. My hope is we draw either one of them and go off offensively a couple of games to take it to 6. That would get us some positive playoff experiences and good energy going into next year. With Yao and EG so young, and Francis and Mobley getting used to having other guys who can play--we will only get better. I just want a little taste of what could be and positive mo going into the offseason for all our young guys to really want to work.
can we just make it first?!!!! before we worry about who we will face? I really hope the rockets make the playoffs. LA in 7th seed now...I just can't believe it. they were soo bad at first. Damn u Kobe B.
Mavs own the Rockets. It'd be an annihilation so bad that you don't even remember the accomplishment of getting there (like the Raiders in the Super Bowl). I'm praying this team gets hot and can somehow move up to the 6th seed (I don't see us doing all that well against the Kings either). More likely than not, we are facing the Mavs and for the benefit of long-term playoff experience, we will be in for an ass-whuppin. What about a scenario where the Rox make the playoffs as the 7th seed and the Blazers overtake the Kings for #2? Its been awhile since we played Portland but I think we match up fairly well (except against Rasheed). Also, that team is so volatile that this would be an appealing matchup.
