Could this happen? With all three Texas teams now playoff locks, would we see a Western Conference with two of the three teams in the Texas triangle? Most importantly, will we see the Rockets as one of the finalists? I do not think that we can get to the Western Finals that quick, but there is a good shot for us to make it. Last year, Minnesota had one of the quickest turnarounds, making it to the WCF, beating out teams like Denver and Sacramento along the way. While our team of now is not as good as they were a year ago, we still have a great inside/outside duo in Yao and McGrady, and players that know their role. If we can play good defense all season long and maintain a consistent team, I can see us going against San Antonio in the WCF.
You can be sure that there will be 27 teams that will not be looking forward to that road trip that winds through Dallas, San Antonio and Houston. I read that last year, it was statistically the toughest road stretch in the NBA, and it will be way worse this year. I do believe an all Texas Western Conference Final is a possibility, but the cards have to fall right. I predict that San Antonio, Minnesota and Sacramento will win their divisions, with San Antionio being the top seed overall. I think Dallas will get the fourth seed, followed closely by Houston and Denver, but I'm willing to accept that there may be a flip flop here or there. If San Antionio is #1 and Dallas and Houston are number #4 and #5 in no particular order, there is no chance for the matchup you speak of since they would meet in the second round and only one will survive. If however, Dallas or Houston falls to the #6 or #7 seed, they will most likely have to defeat both Sacramento and Minnesota for a shot at the deadly Spurs. It could happen, but it is a tough road. For those NBA betters out there, keep an eye on Eastern Conference teams as they make the Texas swing.
It depends...but see, I believe that the Lakers have a shot at the WCF also, so the Rockets should have one. Four teams...the reason I say that about the Lakers is because I believe that they will barely beat out the Kings for the Pacific, giving them the 3rd seed. Therefore...it should look like this in the Semis... Spurs (possibly 1st seed) vs. Rockets (4th seed) Wolves (2nd seed) vs. Lakers (3rd seed) The Rockets will end up with the 3rd best record in the West IMO...but given that they probably won't win their division, they'll have the 4th seed, which means they may meet up with San Antonio sooner than you expect and it'll be one helluva game. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting SunshineRain:</div><div class="quote_post">You can be sure that there will be 27 teams that will not be looking forward to that road trip that winds through Dallas, San Antonio and Houston. I read that last year, it was statistically the toughest road stretch in the NBA, and it will be way worse this year.</div> The last time that stretch didn't cause problems was when the Mavs were wearing green jerseys and their key player was Rolando Blackman. <font size="-2"><font color="red">I merged your two posts into one. I'm sure it wasn't intentional but don't double post next time. -Trip</font></font>
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting SunshineRain:</div><div class="quote_post">You can be sure that there will be 27 teams that will not be looking forward to that road trip that winds through Dallas, San Antonio and Houston. I read that last year, it was statistically the toughest road stretch in the NBA, and it will be way worse this year.</div> The last time that stretch didn't cause problems was when the Mavs were wearing green jerseys and their key player was Rolando Blackman.
The scenario that I see unfolding will be Minnesota taking the conference again, San Antonio at second and the Kings at third, with Houston and Dallas at 4 and 6 respectively. I can see Houston beating the Nuggets which will be fifth, and Dallas beating Sacramento. Then Houston will go on to face Minnesota, and I can still see the Rockets taking this one. Dallas might go out against San Antonio, but it could be Houston and San Antonio in the WCF.
I don't know about this....if we do actually make it into WCF then it's going to be all luck. Since it is, our first season together. Can't have too high of hopes though. Alone for me if we make it into the second round with a 6-7 game ending series then that would be enough for me.
Agree with remix.. I doubt the west finals are likely since team chemistry will be really messed up this season. But who knows? everyone in the team might just fall into place.
