They're the only team in the West that has given us trouble this season. They would have lots of confidence against us. Last year, Houston was the worst possible draw for us. I hope that's not the case again this season.
Yes, making the playoffs would be horrible. The lottery is so much safer. Don't have to face teams that could beat us.
Aside from the fact they swept us.....I think compared to LA, Denver, and Dallas, they are our best chance to advance. At the end of a ball game it is very difficult to stop Melo, Kobe, and Dirk. Utah has good players, but none who compare to those three. I know Wiliams is close, but still not compared to those three.
I never said making the playoffs would be horrible. We'll make the playoffs. I want to win when we get there. The team I most want to face is the Lakers. But we're gonna finish the season so strong, I feel, that it won't happen. Matchups matter. The mid-90s Sonics OWNED the Houston Rockets, but in 94 & 95, the Rockets didn't have to play the Sonics in the playoffs. And so they won two championships. In 96, they play the Sonics and get swept. The Nuggets and Lakers did the Rockets favors in 94 & 95.
If I knew for sure we'd lose in the first round, I'd prefer to be in the lottery. However, that will never happen (the knowing, not the losing) so I'll take the playoffs, thank you very much. barfo
