Since 1984 NBA adopted the current playoff format featuring 16 teams No. 5 seed won .579 in first round, No. 4 seed won .421, No. 6 seed won .263 I'd say fifth seed is not bad at all for Rockets. http://www.nba.com/playoffs2003/success_seeds.html
Not particularly relevant with the new format where the 3 seed is automatically the weakest division winner. It is quite possible the 4 seeds will have better records than the 3 seeds for the 1st time. I don't have a strong preference between #5 and #6. Both opponents present some problems but I think we present even more problems to either. However if Dallas goes in a tailspin picking off the 4 seed would be great. More important is just making sure Memphis and the potential #7 seed stays in our rear view mirror or is left in our dust.
Personally, I would rather face Settle than Kings or Dallas. But that's not in our hands. We have to play our best night in and night out, to keep the momentum, and continue with our team gelling. Then, only then, we might have a chance in playoff time. We are good now, but not that good, to turn it on or off at will. If we intentionally let some games slip away, to get a preferable matchup, I can guarantee you that we will be swept no matter who we face. We won some tough games recently, against decent opponents, but our two main guys haven't proven themselves in big playoff games yet. They can't afford to be cocky, or lose their poise and ambition. Just try to win every game and fight hard every minute on the court, the rest will take care of itself. If we can go far, that's great; if not, we try next year again.
