I think about a quarter of the way through the season, barring any major injuries, you can usually tell where a team really belongs as far as its record is concerned. Last year, we started out 5-1, at the 12 game mark (where we are now) we had the same exact record we have now (7-5). Then we sat at 7 wins for a while, losing 15 straight games in a row. This of course was when Steve Francis was hurt. So if we end up getting like 3 games below .500 keep a possitive outlook on things. Who knows, we could win 8 straight games and end up back in the middle of the pack. In order to put things somewhat in perspective, keep an eye on Dec. 10, the game against the Sacramento Kings. This will be the best way to gauge the success of the Rockets. Try hard not to post any "The Season's Over" type threads just because of bad play in one game. We are not in any dire situation right now, just as long as we keep plenty of room between us and the Jazz we are fine.
This next stretch of 8 games is not going to be easy. I would be happy if the Rockets went 4-4 on this stretch and were 11-9 after the first 20 games. The schedule does ease up a good deal after the next 8 game stretch, though. Im hoping the road trip starts with wins at Portland and at GSW, b/c the middle stretch is EXTREMELY tough. Seattle, Sacramento, San Antiono and New Orleans with only San Antonio at home is going to be extremely tough and losing all 4 is possible esp if this team plays like it did Sunday. The team should win at home against Philly and Sacto is going to be a tough game December 10. I'll be happy with 4-4.
