ClutchFans Game Thread: Nuggets @ Rockets 4/13/2025

Well they either get upset by the kings or get curbstomp by the thunders. It would b a major upset for the thunders to lose vs warriors.


But honestly it could go either way grizzilies vs Warriors

 

Rockets will face Warriors in 1st round.

Kerr said Butler is okay.
Grizzles can't beat the Warrirors.

 

Grizzlies can definitely beat the Warriors

 

They suck recently

 

Anyone can win in a 1 game series. Hot shooting, lucky bounces, etc.

 

Six turnovers does not cancel out 10 assists and 39 points with efficient shooting. Kawhi had 5 turnovers.

Rockets will be underdogs against any team besides the first round. We're having a great season, but we're young with little-to-no playoff experience. OKC, Denver, and prob LAC are better. Then, the Lakers and Warriors have the refs.

Playoffs will be fun... it's been a while and we're good

 

I'm only looking forward to who from our team steps up and hope we don't get swept. We need our guys to get as many games played in the post season as possible (and hopefully close games in the ones they lose and not all blowouts)

 

Clearly some of our guys didn't care today.

DD

 

Yeah, mostly that

I see it like this.......

- 2nd round loss in 6 would equal a great season
- Conf Finals would be awesome, regardless of outcome
- Finals would be an All-World season, regardless of outcome

I don't wanna think about losing the first round. LOL

 

So Jabari got a groin
and Tari had a death in his family? (I read in this thread?)

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/houston-denver-nuggets-tv-score-20273339.php

“We didn’t go that hard,” Şengün said. “Nobody wants to get hurt before the playoffs. So we just did what we did.”

While risking some injury, Udoka said the decision to play his regulars came so they don’t have such a long layoff before the postseason starts.

“We didn’t want too long of a break,” Udoka said postgame. “Main thing was, (we) came out with everybody healthy and got a little run in. It’s a balance of too much time off versus trying to get a little action in. But we have days to rest up again, days to prepare, and then get some live action in amongst ourselves. So, we’ll do that to simulate a training camp where we can get in a little bit and not just be shell-shocked by the playoffs on Saturday or Sunday.”

Udoka and the Rockets players expressed content with escaping Sunday without injury. Though there are some health questions ahead of Houston’s postseason push. Smith was lined up to play after sitting out the last two games but “still felt a little something” in warmups per Udoka, prompting the coach to keep him out.

“Obviously in the situation we’re in, it gives us the luxury to sit him and give him another week or so of rest,” Udoka said.

Udoka did not offer a longer term outlook on the 21-year-old. Meanwhile, Tate also sat out for his third consecutive game and Udoka categorized his status as “week-to-week.”

The Rockets quickly put the inconsequential loss behind them as they left the court. Udoka and his team’s eyes fixated on the overtime battle between the Clippers and Warriors running congruent with their own game, as the loser would become the Western Conference’s No. 7 seed and a possible playoff opponent. Houston’s players watched in the locker room as Los Angeles came out with a road win, increasing the likelihood of seeing Golden State in the first round. However, the Rockets seemed to have no concerns with whoever they may face.

“I think if we play our game, we can beat anybody,” Thompson said. “I’m not really even worried about those other teams. I’m just worried about us. We don’t even know who we’re going to play until two days from now.”

Udoka, who spoke before the conclusion of the Warriors-Clippers game, shared a similar sentiment to his players as he said he had no favorable matchup that he wants to see in the first round.

“It’s out of our control anyways,” Udoka said. “There’s still the play-in, so that adds another dimension. It is what it is.”

As Udoka looked on at the chaos surrounding the Western Conference on the final day of the regular season, he expressed relief that Houston controlled their positioning early with wins over the Oklahoma City Thunder and Warriors last weekend to avoid any late season drama.

“It’s a great thing that we’re out of that,” Udoka said. “Got to control our own destiny on our part. Obviously still more games to play, but it was good that especially against really good teams in OKC and Golden State that we took care of business and could rest guys up, get them a little run today and then wait and see who we play. But guys earned it, deserved it and took advantage of it.”

 

i thought the first round starts on the 19th... (and since the 7th seed will be determined first - i assume our game would be on that day)

 

Can we move on from Jalen please

 

Most likely, yep.

 

Like March Madness, too many first round games for them all to start on same day. So, some pairings start Saturday, some on Sunday. We don’t know yet which day we start

 

No, you can't disrespect to the fact that Jalen is still 17,5 years old. Give him time...

 

This game is whatever, just wish Jalen didn't completely embarrass himself again..

 

So we won't get schedule until after play in?

 

nvm guess it’s real. Felt a little sore according to Udoka postgame interview

 

Watched Udoka’s post game. He seemed unconcerned about last 3 games and kept saying he wanted to give these teams different looks and these games gives him a chance to see these teams more. I suppose he was evaluating and assessing these teams since we likely will see them again.