I'll hold off any predictions until we play them once or twice. The Sonics have been playing extremely well this season and have beaten a lot of top teams. The Sonics also seem like a team that would give us a lot of trouble. They're fast and they shoot the lights out.
Rockets vs. Sonics Grizzlies vs. Suns Don't rule out some bigtime upsets. (If that playoffs started today, that is)
the ghost of Nate McMillan, he was on every single one of those teams you mentioned from 87 on, and he wont go away!!
I really hope we clinch a playoff spot before we start talking matchups... but since we're just tossing stuff around.. I think we'd match up well against Seattle. Probably better than any other team in the Western playoff picture. Phoenix would run us to death. Sacramento is just too talented. And well, San Antonio is obviously the class of the west. All three of those teams absolutely kill us at the PG position.. So yeah, I hope we get Seattle.
The Sonics began the season with a bang and has cooled off considerably recently. Just look at their record in the last 15 games you will see why. However, the teams that Rockets fear most are those great jump shooting teams. JVG has never had any answer defensively against a 3 pointer shooting team. The bottom line is I don't like the matchup against the Sonics and feel that we will lose in 6 or 7 unless their outside shooting is off for a series.
How 'bout the ghost of Mutombo - Nuggets upset Sonics in first round of playoffs 1994. Rockets win first Championship. better yet, how 'bout the actual Mutombo.
oohhhhh good one. i have that image of mutombo in the dark blue nuggets jersey, lying on his back clutching the basketball ingrained in my mind. i'd rather us play the sonics than any of the other first 4 teams.
Do you think these 3 point shooting teams can hit their shots good enough for an entire series? That seems to be the biggest question in my book.
Why you gotta play down the Sonics like that? They must have done something right to be rank that high right now. I rather we play someone who's lower seed than us in the playoffs.
Center: Yao Ming Jerome James Edge: Rockets by Far. This should be the matchup we destroy, especially with their lack of a tough defensive helping PF. PForward: Howard Radmonovic Edge: Even. Radmonovic spreads the floor, but Yao won't need that much help with their lack of inside post up players. Padgett would also be helpful in playing Radmonovic Small Forward: McGrady Lewis Edge: Rockets. Lewis is a long lean strong rebounder and shooter, but McGrady is one of the best in the game and come playoff time he is a BEAST. Shooting Guard: Wesley Allen Edge: Sonics. Allen is an amazing player and McGrady may have to help a bit on defense. Man defense is critical as the dish out if help comes in goes to great outside shooters. Point Guard: Sura Ridnaur Edge: Even: Both of these players seem fearless though Sura's injuries may catch up to him come playoff time. Coaching: Van Gundy McMillan Edge: Rockets. Van Gundy has a great deal more playoff experience than McMillan and his team is built for the playoffs w/ smart veterans, strong defense and a strong inside presence. Bench: Shorter rotations during the playoffs so I only see Taylor, Barry, Padgett and Mutombo vs. Sonics Bench Even.. Rockets in 6 !!
