I'm going to be slightly contrarian here. Portland's gonna keep losing either way, so i'm actually hoping for a Clips loss, though either outcome will benefit the Rockets.
If GS is the 6th seed, that's an automatic launch into the 2nd round. I'm really hoping we get to play SA, because in Tim Duncan's 17 years we've NEVER played them in the playoffs despite being in our division, plus we have their number and if they stay at 2nd we have a legit shot at the WCF if we indeed play GS and SA in the first two rounds. OKC is a whole other story, granted we played them on back to backs both times we played them and both teams depleted.
I'm assuming you want Portland to win* I agree though. I'd rather create separation with the Clippers because I feel like Portland will slip beneath us anyway, regardless of if they win tonight. They have a tougher remaining schedule than the Clipps.
SA plays Portland and the Clippers back to back out of the All-Star break. Regardless of what happens, it's all good for the Rockets.
Yea I would rather have Portland win. They have an incredible hard second half and will lose some games.
I'm excited too, but at the same time, let's act like we've been there, eh? Counting half game advantages and tiebreakers in February is going to wear us all out, and if the Rockets keep up the strong work there will be no question of a top 3 seed anyways - they're leading the league in winning percentage since the new year.
I didn't realize this little fact. That would be awesome if we play them, beat them, he retires and we can go back to talking trash to SA fans and have ground to stand on. Listen to coach. More poise in the forum.
What a tremendous day for the Rockets. Portland AND GSW lose. You already know people going to look at the standings and say, "wait, the Rockets are where?"