Houston Rockets: Not Worthy of NBA Finals Talk

Mar 24, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Houston Rockets center forward Dwight Howard (12) in a time out during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Rockets win 100-89. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Houston Rockets center forward Dwight Howard (12) in a time out during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Rockets win 100-89. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
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Sure, the Houston Rockets have put together a solid 48-22 record, with a 28-7 home mark and have a solid hold on the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. They’ve been getting a lot of press as a potential NBA Finals candidate, with a dominant big man (Dwight Howard) and a superstar guard (James Harden). But, things aren’t always as they seem. Are the Rockets as good as advertised?

They’ve been crushing the patsies of the league and haven’t performed that well against the teams that lurk ahead of them in the standings. There’s no real way to get away from running into them in the playoffs, so how can we think of the Rockets as a potential NBA Finals team?

Could they get lucky and avoid the likes of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers? Sure. I could win the lottery, too. I’m not holding my breath — neither should the Rockets’ faithful.