As far as winning this series goes, I really believe the Rockets would have to take it in 6 cuz I do not like their chances of winning a Game 7 in Portland. So, They must win a game in Portland and I think Game 1 is the perfect opportunity to do it. A Blazers team who hasn't experienced the playoffs yet comes out shaky and the Rockets have to pounce. Anyone else with me?
I am with you that Game 1 is a great chance for the Rockets to show their strength and set the tone for the series, best to be ahead 1-0 then behind 0-1 and having to win game 2 to get back in the series. Thought I'd mentioned this for maybe a good luck charm, but a year ago at this time, I was deeply cheering on my favorite NHL team, the Dallas Stars, to break out of their playoff funk of that time of 5 years without winning a playoff series, and they entered the playoffs that season as the #5 seed in the Western Conference and having to start on the road against the defending Stanley Cup Champion #4 seed Anaheim Ducks. Same deal as here of hearing from their fan base of when are we going to win a playoff round etc... Turns out, they did just fine by taking out the Ducks in 6 games and ending 5 years of playoff frustrations as the number #5 seed. (ultimately, the Stars made it to the NHL's Western Conference Finals before losing to eventual Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings) Believe me, that moment of seeing the Stars ending 5 years of playoff frustrations was joyful and while they didn't ultimately win the Stanley Cup, the fact that they broke out of years of playoff frustration and had a very good run in the playoffs was very exciting and made me very happy and you know that this year, I want the Houston Rockets of this playoff year, to bring me that same joy and excitement as the Dallas Stars did last year. Make it happen Houston Rockets!
if it goes to 7 games, it means Portland has beat us 3 times and is a very evenly matched opponent. i still like our chances in a game 7 at portland though.
I hate to make the comparison but I remember back in the 90s a certain Rocket team faced a young, athletic team in the NBA Finals. This younger, more athletic team had home court advantage in the series but lost game 1 at home, never recovered mentally and was swept. I think stealing game 1 would crush Portland's confidence. I think that team is getting far too much credit or at least too little credit is being awarded to being experienced.
Yeah, I think Game 1 is where it's going to have to happen. Our veteran team has had time to rest a couple of days, and probably more importantly they have had the opportunity to go over strategy. It seems like they never had the time or the benefit of a healthy roster to actually practice more than a handful of times throughout the year. That could be an important factor. I'm sure the Blazers have enjoyed the couple of days rest as well, but they've most certainly been hearing all the hype after grabbing home court, holding that huge pep rally yesterday, and having 90% of the national media pick them to win. If they come out and win Game 1, they'll be sky high with confidence and I wouldn't like our chances in Game 2. On the other hand, if they come out and lose Game 1, it could really put them in a tailspin. Game 1 is definitely the key.
Game 1 is the game we need to steal. Put these youngin on the rope and see how they respond in Game 2.
I never really thought about a Game 1 loss crushing Portland's confidence, but it makes sense. A young basketball team whose fans have high expectations probably would not react well after a Game 1 loss at home.
I think Rox have a better chance at game 2 cus Rox always show they hardly win big games on the road and if Blazers win game 1 they will get too confident for game 2 and Rockets will redeem themselves .
We are a better team, no need to steal anything. Winning games in Portland is normal for the Rockets. Losing is abnormal, such as the one Brandon Roy made the last <1 seconds...
I was just listening to national sports talk radio and the homer fans in Portland are actually over looking the Rockets and talking about how they will be the Laker in the WCF!!!
We have some good road wins, well maybe not lately but we have won on the road this year. Portland is young and inexperienced so I think our chances of beating them in Game 1 are great. If they win Game 1 I don't see them being too confident in Game 2.
Yes, good teams close out game 7s on the road, especially by controlling the boards........the rox saw that 2 yrs ago, first hand.
If the Rockets take the first game of the series tonight, I'll just say that the start of this series was no different from their two previous playoff series with the Trailblazers in both 1987 and 1994 (sure would like it if I could say three, and would only be able to say so if there was 1977 I could include).
Don't use the word "Stealing", we believe our team can beat whichever opponent. Win a game in portland is minimum! To fight, Rockets! Go, go, go!
I wouldn't be surprised to see Rockets take an 2-0 lead. Blazers will be outmatched and unable to recover.
When we last beat them it was easy. We match up against them so well that we wanted to play them and how much they wanted to avoid us Yes, bring on the blazers.Don't say stealing one game.We will sweep them cleanly
