If I remember correctly, the series is split 2-2. After head to head results have been considered, what are the next tie breaker rules to determine playoff seedings?
That's correct, and Houston has a 31-19 conference record, while, Sacto is 27-22, so we win any tiebreaker.
F*ck. Just realized that after Phoenix gets through beating Sacto tonight, we're in the 5th spot. Assuming both Houston and Sacto split the last two games on their respective schedules, we play Dallas in the first round. Well, at least we're not going to play San Antonio.
This is why we need to rest TMac. And if we lose, who cares. And if we win, TMac will be ready for the playoffs. Play this smart.
Well, here's to hoping the Kings win tonight to retain the 5 spot. If they lose against Phoenix, we move past them. As much as I love the Rockets, I can't realistically say we can beat Dallas in a 7-game series. Even if we do manage pull off the upset, it'll be one tiring-as-hell series. They have too many offensive weapons, and they've actually been playing decent defense since Avery Johnson took over.
If they have aspirations of going to the WC Finals, the 5th spot might be an easier way to get there. If we win against Dallas, the second round would be against Phoenix, not San Antonio
This just goes to show that game had no meaning whatsoever. We will finish #5 anyway. The Kings will lose to Phoenix tonight and probably next week also.
Dang, Kings tanking for the sixth spot. (ok, not really but they can give a better effort in that Suns game)
This is kinda sucking. Three of the 4 best WC teams are likely going to be in one bracket--Phx, Dallas and Houston. If SA gets by Denver, pencil them in the finals b/c Seattle or Sac will provide little resistence in round 2. This rule the top 3 seed automatcially come from the division winners really penalizes the 5th seed relative to the 6th seed. The 6th seed probably gets the easier opponent and has a chance at home court (outside chance of it happening in the east)--the 5th seed could never get the homecourt. The Rockets are in a tough spot. They could tank both games, but risk falling all the way to the 7th seed. What they hell, I say give Tmac and Yao a week off. Even if we do fall to 7 (Danver has to play at Phx, so unlikley even if we lose both games), it means we draw SA or Phx first than either one or Dallas in the WC finals. The 5th seed is basically the worst spot. Almost assuredly have to beat Dallas, SA and Phx in the 3 series. So what the hey, shut down Tmac, Yao, Wesley and Sura I say. Think big picture.
The big picture is: Rockets have to be in a rhythm and playing well going into the playoffs. If they play great team ball like tonight, bring on Dallas. JVG will shut them down
I really hope the Rockets dont try to loose the last two games on purpose or let the bench players play instead of the starters. They need to play hard the last 2 games to prepare for the playoffs and then worry about who they will play when the time comes... Loosing the last two games (or even 1 of the 2) and keeping the starters on the bench might have negative effects. The only good that may come out of it is that it will rest some of the starters. But in my opinion its more important for them to play the last 2 games and keep working
Seems like Wesley and Sura already shut themselves down. (We seriously need them to shoot better to go far in the playoffs....and 3 fouls in the opening minutes...hell, I'm fainting, not you know who.)
I think the big picture is this is a vet team who shows they know how to play. At this point match-us and freshness are more important than 2 meaningless games after 80 before.
Now I dont like this idea, but sth to think about. Monday night Rox vs Clips Kings vs Utah Denver vs Phoenix We are going to have earilest tip off and Denver games is the latest to start. It's going to force Kings to beat Utah, because they dont want to fall to 7th if Denver beats Suns later. So I say rest Tmac and Yao for the clip game. If Kings win Monday night, and Denver loses, which is very likely, it's going to put the Kings the 5th and Denver 7th. And Denver will have no chance to catch us regardless of Wednesday's result. So we can continue rest Tmac and Yao plus sura, DW on Wednesday. Should Denver beat Suns on Monday, they will play Portland on Tuesday. Depend on that result, which 90% is win for them, then we may still rest Yao and Tmac, because the Kings will play Suns on Wednesday night. All and all, we want to Tmac and Yao on Monday. Let things play out, then we deal our cards on Wednesday.
I don't like all this talk of putting less than full effort into the remaining two games. I want the team to have a full head of steam going into the playoffs. I have no doubt in my mind that we can beat any team not named the Spurs in a 7 game series. Dallas, Phoenix, Seattle all present different challenges, but in a similar vein. Play hard nosed defense on any three of them and they will fold. This team is capable of that, and our shooters won't remain cold for an entire series.
