SI : Even after long winning streak, Rockets may not be title contender

This is what fuels our offense, we need this negativity. Don't you guys get that?

 

But the most I heard is this team wont pass the first round.

Championship? maybe not. But no chance to the second round?

And yes, the national media hates Rockets, hates every sports teams in Houston.

 

I agree that the streak is sweeter because nobody believes in us.

About the "contender" thing, it depends on how you define contender. Are we the favorite to win it all? Of course not. Are we one of the top few teams that are most likely to get to the Finals? Hard to say. Do we have a shot at the title? Heck yes.

We are comparable to the 03-04 Pistons.

Alston < Billups
McGrady > Hamilton
Battier = Prince
Scola < R. Wallace
Mutombo = B. Wallace (Deke is better but can't play as many minutes as Ben)

Bench
Landry, Hayes, Head, Jackson, Harris, Brooks, Novak >> Campbell, Williamson, Hunter, James, Okur, Milicic, Ham

They had a better starting lineup. We have a better bench. We have a shot.