perfect breakdown...very realistic also If spurs get into trouble in their next 5 games, the HOU @ SAS becomes very crucial..
The logic that the Spurs are not going to start losing all of their games. We are too far behind to catch them. The Rockets have a shot at catching the Blazers. They have been struggling this season, especially as of late. They are barely winning games they should win while the Rockets are finally healthy and beginning to peak. The Rockets can catch the Blazers if they only lose 2 or 3 games. They can catch the Spurs if they only lose 1 or 2 games. It will be close.
I think if we are tied with Portland by the end of the season, it will be close. As of now, the Rockets are 2-2 against them From NBA.com http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Div.html TIEBREAKER BASIS: (-) Tie breaker not needed (better overall winning percentage) (1) Division leader wins tie from team not leading a division (2) Head-to-head won-lost percentage (3) Division won-lost percentage (4) Conference won-lost percentage (5) W-L Percentage vs. Playoff teams, own conference (6) W-L Percentage vs. Playoff teams, other conference (7) Net Points, all games The Rockets have a better division record, but they are not in the same division. Thus, number applies. Conference records: Rockets 25-18 Portland 26-15 If the Rockets are tied with them in this record by the end of the season, then rule 5 is applied. I think the Rockets have the better record against playoff teams. I could be wrong. On the side, if the Rockets beat the Spurs then they will have the tie breaker no matter what. If they lose it will probably go to the Spurs as they both have an 8-5 division record.
It's over. The Spurs have too much experience to just flatly fall apart and that's basically what it would take for the Rockets to beat them out. They lost to a very tough Atlanta team on the road in OT today -- doesn't change a thing.
