Maybe it's because, unlike San Antonio, New Orleans, and Phoenix, they haven't blown us out in the last month.
I say it would be easiest for us to get to finals if we drew Utah in Round 1 and then either Denver,GS,or NOH in the conference semi. The WCF however is going to be a tough series whoever we would end up with but I have faith in our guys and I know we could pull it out.
Utah might be an easier 1st round match up for the Rockets than SA, LA, or Phoenix, but it certainly wouldn't be easy (nothing will be easy in the playoffs this year given how close all the teams are). It's worth noting that the consensus on the Jazz forum on realgm is that Houston would be their easiest likely 1st round opponent. I suspect that both impressions are correct...
the only way i see us doing that is TMAC wanting this more than anything...redemption vs utah especially ...the red leg sleeve comes back and we do it no doubt.
landry scolas and hayes on okur and boozer is way better than yao, I like that first round rematch if possible
haha, one things hella' sure the though...its going to be the most fun I'm ever going to have watching any playoff series this season
Nice post. Would be nicer if adding the explaination on the loss to the Jazz right before our winning streak.
every team in the west is praying that they draw the rockets in the first round, not just utah. i suspect that every team's perceived "easiest path" would go through houston.
Right now, IMO if denver isn't going to the playoffs, the rockets are the team that every other team would like to play. In fact, they're probably more afraid of GSW than the rockets. Why? We're are the worse best team. And the weakest all time winning streak team. But thats what the other team thinks, but who says an elite team can't be a trap team? We're a trap team since Yao went out, hell LA was pretty sure they'll beat us, but we blew them out. LA was also pretty sure they'll beat grizzlies and bobcats, but they lost as well...... ITs right for other teams to pick rockets as their best matchup, but thats due to experience and strength. The Jazz haven't changed their roster much, so they definately have good chemistry, and possibly the best chemistry with their fans. Maybe thats why the fans think they can beat us easily. Afterall, the rockets have developed into a deadly road team , and a decent home team..... And jazz suck on road...... They play on energy, if they aint got no fans behind them, they can't play for life.
any given game yes. we're talking SEVEN GAME SERIES. for ppl who know basketball, NO is down for the exact same reason SA is up when it comes to the playoffs. that's a proven veteran team who will peak at the right time, not just for a game here and there for houston, the biggest obstacles are SA and Phoenix. LA, Mavs are 2nd tier but probably losses. Utah, NO are beatable. GS and Denver are ideal matchups. In ANY of these series Houston will be underdogs in vegas.
Utah works for us much better this year, because of all the reasons already stated, and also Boozer becomes a huge liability for their defense. Last year, we weren't able to exploit his terrible defensive skills because we had Chuck and Juwan Howard. Now we have Landry and Scola. Landry can guard Boozer, and so can Chuck Hayes. Maybe even Battier, though I'd want him on one of their swingmen. I still want to play Hayes for a good amount of minutes because he'll produce big, but I think the X factors for us will be Alston and Landry, Landry especially because of his ability on both ends of the floor to exploit Boozer.
i rather rockets to play the lakers than Utah in first round. lakers are not clicking right now. when they throw byrum back in, things will need to be adjust. most likely gasol will start at the center and byrum will come off the bench.
This is one of the reason why I want the Rockets to play the lakers. I don't want the Rockets to have home court advantage again and lose to the Jazz. My stomach can't take it any more.
