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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next

CAN’T AVOID THEM

If the Rockets stay in the No. 4 seed (looking likely), they’ll be on a crash course with the San Antonio Spurs in round two. That’s a good thing, as I’ve mentioned, because the Rockets have a terrific matchup and have had a lot of success against them.

The problem is, it’s more than likely that the Clippers or Thunder will be waiting for them in the conference finals. The Rockets don’t have a chance against either of them if Harden and Howard continue their disappearing act.

The best case scenario would be for one of those teams to get upset by the Portland Trail Blazers (Rockets won season series 3-1), Golden State Warriors (2-1) or Dallas Mavericks (2-2).

What’s the point? The Rockets aren’t worthy of NBA Finals consideration. They’ve got two major roadblocks ahead of them and aren’t going to be able to sidestep them without a ton of help. Are the Rockets a top-8 team in the NBA? Sure. Can they beat the seven teams above them? Aside from the Spurs, I don’t think so.

Follow @DunlapNBA
Follow @HoopsHabit