Run as One...
The biggest threat to the Warriors is the Rockets. The Warriors could possibly meet their match. 1 year after taking the Warriors to 7 games only to lose without starting point guard, Chris Paul on the court, the Rockets are back and fired up for a potential playoff rematch. The Warriors starting 5 looks too good to be true but I’m not here to praise the Warrior starting five, I’m here to give the Rockets some light in the playoffs against the defending champs.
Mapping out the Playoffs.
The Rockets are the 3rd seed in the Western Conference with a record of 53-29, 2 games ahead of the 4th seeded Portland Trailblazers (52-29). Expect a matchup between Harden and his former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Surprisingly enough, the Thunder pose the biggest threat to the biggest threat. Confusing much? The Rockets seem to be the only team in the west that can take the Warriors into a 6-7 game series, but the problem is seeding. The Rockets are the 3rd seed and they are primed for perhaps the best playoff matchup in the first round if the Thunder stay at the 6th seed (most likely going to happen). Less than 24 hrs. has passed by since Paul George hit a game-winning 3 pointer with 1.8 seconds left to beat the Rockets for the 3rd time this season. Now trouble lies just days away…
Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
My prediction here is that the Thunder nab 1 of the 2 first games in Houston and head back home to potentially take a 3-1 lead. The Rockets should win game 5 back at home, however, I expect the Thunder to close things up in game 6. If the series is to go to 7 games then I’ll give the Rockets the W as they will be at home. Should they advance, I expect a matchup against the Nuggets, a team they have beat 3/4 times this season. In all honesty, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors are going to give the Rockets an ultimate test in the playoffs. If the Rockets want a legitimate opportunity they need to find a way to spread the ball and get everyone involved instead of Harden doing it all once again in the playoffs. Sure teams can’t stop Harden from getting to at least 30+ PTS. however, it’s a very predictable game plan.
Final Take
Harden is an absolute tear this season, but as I stated before, Oklahoma City is a team that can upset the red hot Rockets in the first round. They need to play game to game and stick to the game-plan. If they get past the Oklahoma City Thunder, there is no doubt in my mind that we could be headed to a Western Conference Finals rematch between the Rockets and Warriors. Before thinking too much and getting Rocket fans’ hopes up, first, get past the Thunder and survive to see a matchup against the Nuggets. On April 13th…
