Do you feel the Rockets are a better team entering the Playoffs compared to last year

Yes, This year is definitely better than last year. last year Rafer imjured just before the playoff and it cost the series. Last year Jazz were simply better than Rockets without Rafer and Yao.

This year Rockets can beat anyone if AB and coach RA can do what they are asked to do. GO THROUGH YAO every possesion.

Still, Jazz is the worst matchup of Rockets this season. I believe Portland will be the next worst matchup for Rockets. They are young and matured. But Rockets should crash them in 5 or 6, Most likely 5.

 

We are better overall. Getting Yao healthy in the playoffs was the key this season.

 

Aside from this year (because of his injury), Artest CANNOT do what T Mac does. Artest isn't a solid passer, and cannot consistently score. Artest does not provide in the clutch (most recent example getting the ball stolen last night in final minutes of 4th quarter, also taking dumb shots).

That being said,

we are deeper this year, and we have a great player and a good player instead of just one great player.

much better team and most importantly, we match up well against this blazers, we dont match up well at all against the jazz. This years team with a healthy Tmac would still go to 7 games with the jazz (although I think we would win). This years team with a healthy tmac versus blazers? sweep or 4t to 1. My point is, much rather play hte blazers than the jazz.

 

Yes. Less injuries, the inexperienced guys have more experience, and Ron + Yao is more of a game changer than Tmac.