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Houston Rockets: Will They Make It Past the First Round?

By Mauricio Putz

Nov 20, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after a technical foul called against him with guard Patrick Beverley (2) and forward Terrence Jones (6) against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. The Mavs beat the Rockets 123-120. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after a technical foul called against him with guard Patrick Beverley (2) and forward Terrence Jones (6) against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. The Mavs beat the Rockets 123-120. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s not unusual for people to talk about the NBA as the most predictable sport out of the four major ones in the United States. And they’re right — sort of. As predictable as the NBA might seem, a dwelling 82-game season and a faulty conference system turn it into arguably the most physically tolling of them all.

Whether it is Isiah Thomas‘ ankle against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals, Larry Bird‘s nine-pound back-brace in 1991, luck and health play a huge role in every single championship run in NBA history.

So far, the Houston Rockets are yet to be healthy throughout a whole week of the season.

The Houston Rockets’ starting point guard, Patrick Beverley, is likely to miss the rest of the season with a torn ligament on his wrist. Who’s in line to replace him? Pablo Prigioni (2.0 PPG/.4RPG/2.0APG) and/or Jason Terry (4.3PPG/1.7RPG/2.0APG).

Rising star Terrence Jones has been, and will continue to be, out for an extended period of time with a rib injury. There’s still no timetable for his return. He was also out for an extended period of time — 40 games to be precise — at the beginning of the season with a leg injury.

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Former All-Star center Dwight Howard, who was back on the court Wednesday, was (1) on a restricted minutes basis playing only 16 minutes; and (2) won’t be playing in any back-to-back games until further notice.

After missing 26 games — 38 for the season — who knows if he’ll be back at full strength or if the Rockets are only rushing him back just to get a few minutes under his feet once the playoffs come along.

Barring any unforeseen setbacks

with his knee, shoulder, or lower-back

, once the playoffs come along the Houston Rockets’ center will have played a career-low 41 games for the season.

Talk about rust.

Yes, the Rockets have made it thus far without Dwight Howard and Terrence Jones on the floor by riding on James Harden‘s otherworldly season. But still, riding Harden’s coattails will only get them so far — just ask 2003-10 LeBron James.

Therefore, Dwight Howard’s playoff experience and leadership — or what’s left of it — could be exactly what the Houston Rockets need to become the juggernaut they’re supposed to be and continue with their hopeful run at the 2014-15 NBA title.

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    • Still, before the Rockets start thinking about the title, they need to get through one of the most loaded Western Conferences in NBA history including one of the most physically tolling teams in the league — the Memphis Grizzlies — arguably the longest tenured dynasty in NBA history — the San Antonio Spurs — and the near-historical Golden State Warriors.

    Also, if (HUGE “if”) Dwight Howard is healthy for the playoffs — which are less than a month away — the Houston Rockets’ chances of going through a first-round matchup against the San Antonio Spurs/Los Angeles Clippers could improve.

    Nevertheless, the NBA has never been kind to big men with injuries, so, with Howard being who he is at this point of his career, such an improvement might not be enough.

    Chances are they won’t make it past the first-round, and even if they do it is highly unlikely that they’ll be able to string out the championship run they’re hoping for. It would be arguably one of the most remarkable runs if they did.

    One thing’s for sure, neither luck nor health has been a part of the Houston Rockets’ 2014-15 season.

    Next: James Harden And The Lost MVP

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