One of the most likely scenarios now is that we end up 4th seed and play Portland 1st round, which is a pretty good matchup for the Rockets despite the fact that LA would come next But if the Rockets somehow get to 3rd seed (which is not unlikely), they will probably be playing either Dallas or NO, depending on who wins Sunday We are currently leading both NO and Dallas 2-1 in the season series with 1 game to go with both teams Assuming we get 3rd, who would you rather play in the 1st round, Dallas or NO?
The Mavs are playing better than the Hornets. But unlike most people, I don't think the way a team finishes the season necessarily carries over into the playoffs. Remember 1995 when the Rockets skidded into the playoffs at #6. Remember the Nuggets when George Karl took over mid-year and how they finished the regular season at a great clip only to fizzle. That all said, I'd rather face the Hornets over the Mavs but beating the Mavs would be much more satisfying.
I'd rather NO, but either works. We should be able to beat NO in 5 games, Dallas in 6. Neither team can stop Yao. After thinking about it for a minute, maybe I would rather play Dallas. I just hate Dallas so much!
I have to go with Dallas on this one, mainly because I don't think Dirk will carry, unlike CP3, who will, and good PGs always have their ways with us (i.e. Deron Williams). But if Rafer were still on the team I would like our chance of him holding another PG, he's averaging 1.9 in steals and can also knock balls off big men.
Dallas simply because of my pure hatred for their dirty city, cry baby superstar, joke of a center, and jason terrys humongous misshapen head. Rockets can take either though.
Nowitzky, Howard, and Terry have all been Rocket killers at some point. Rather take my chances with the Hornets. Outside of Paul and West, they are rather pedestrian.
It'd be great if we got to face either one! These are the two weakest teams in the playoffs. I'd want to play the Mavs though.... we still need to pay them back from 2005.
Playoff is about superstars, New Orleans has one -- Chris Paul, and I don't want take the chance that he may turn on against rockets. On the other hand, Dallas has none super-stars, but choking old stars. So I choose Mavs for first round.
I'd rather play New Orleans. If we face Dallas, we have to stop Kidd, Nowitzki, Terry, Howard. If we face NOLA, we have to stop Paul ONLY.
The only way that happens is if they get upset at home against Denver or choke in one of their other two cake games.
I have NO FEAR WHATSOEVER of New Orleans. Frankly, I have no idea why their record is as good as it is (besides Chris Paul, obviously). We take care of them in 5 games. Dallass, on the other hand...I'm just not sure we want any part of them in the first round. They have a couple of bona fide Rocket killers in Terry, Kidd and Howard. I think we beat them, but not NEARLY as easily as the Hornets. Frankly, Dallass and utah are the only teams I fear in the first round. Hell, I'd rather play Denver or San Antonio than those 2 teams.
I'd go with Dallas. I think Dallas can't stop Yao.. we'll be able to defend Dirk. This series is PAYBACK for 04-05.
