right now there is no way that NOH, UTA, GSW, or POR can catch us. the magic #'s to stay ahead of everyone else in the conference who are currently behind us are here: MEM:15 DEN:13 MIN:9 LAL:8 LAC:6
Rockets only need to finish eighth or better. Currently standings (Other teams are too far behind ) Position Team Wins Losses Played Remaining 6 Houston 40 27 67 15 7 Memphis 38 28 66 16 8 Denver 36 30 66 16 9 Minnesota 34 34 68 14 10 LA Lakers 32 35 65 15 Best Finishing Possible for the chasers - Memphis 38 + 16 = 54 Denver 36 + 16 = 52 Minnesota 34 + 14 = 48 LA Lakers 32 + 15 = 47 For a guranteed berth, regardless of how the other teams finish, Rox need to wrap up better than at least 2 of these teams, i.e. 49-13 or better. Hence, Rox need to finish 9-6 or better. The way MIN and LAL have been playing, even 5-10 may be enough.
No, Minny's remianing schedule is easy. They are capable of making a 14-0 streak, esp they play SA and Sea the last week, when those two teams probably rest their starters. Denver is on a roll right now too. We are not out of the woods yet.
I think the Rox will clinch this in the first week of April. Let's have fun here - when do you think the Rockets will CLINCH the playoff spot! I say they will clinch at home vs. New Orleans on April 1st. Minnesota will drop 2 to help us clinch the play-off spot. They will lose to New Jersey and Phoenix during that 4 game span.
