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Rockets in 5 or 6 imo
First locked up series in the Western Conference.
The Blazers make their first playoff appearance since 2010-2011, in a surprisingly relatively injury-free season.
The Rockets have high expectations after acquiring Dwight Howard over the summer.
Terry Stotts vs Kevin McHale.
This is what the Blazers looked like in April (they have one game left @Clippers on Wed):
Tue 1 @ L.A. Lakers Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA W 124-112 Fri 4 vs Phoenix Moda Center, Portland, OR L 93-109 Sun 6 vs New Orleans Moda Center, Portland, OR W 100-94 Wed 9 vs Sacramento Moda Center, Portland, OR W 100-99 Fri 11 @ Utah EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City, UT W 111-99 Sun 13 vs Golden State Moda Center, Portland, OR W 119-117
This is what the Rockets have looked like in April (they close the season @New Orleans on Wed):
Tue 1 @ Brooklyn Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY L 96-105 Wed 2 @ Toronto Air Canada Centre, Toronto, ON L 103-107 Fri 4 vs Oklahoma City Toyota Center, Houston, TX W 111-107 Sun 6 vs Denver Toyota Center, Houston, TX W 130-125 Tue 8 @ L.A. Lakers Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA W 145-130 Wed 9 @ Denver Pepsi Center, Denver, CO L 116-123 Fri 11 @ Minnesota Target Center, Minneapolis, MN L 110-112 Sat 12 vs New Orleans Toyota Center, Houston, TX W 111-104 Mon 14 vs San Antonio Toyota Center, Houston, TX W 104-98
This series is closer than what it looks on paper. A fluky shooting night for Portland can win them HCA and it could be a completely different series, considering the kind of home-cooking they get in the Rose Garden ( "Moda Center").
On the other hand, they're such a soft team in the paint, I just don't see how Dwight and Co can't just absolutely dominate that area. Plus they have Mo Williams, perennial playoff choker.
Lollard could be the wildcard here. If he can get on Beverly's head and dominate that matchup, the Rockets don't have anybody else to fall back on.
All in all, I predicted the Blazers are not going to win more than 3 playoff games this season, and I'm sticking with it. Rockets in 6.
Rockets in 5 or 6 imo
Blazers in 7 unless the Rockets learn to play D. I can easily see Houston in 6 though. Blazers have played well now that they're healthy.
Rockets in 6.
Rockets sweep in 6.
Blazers in 6
Rockets in 7.
Rockets show the Guests the door in 6.
Rockets were without Dwight through most of the run, and they didn't have the same level of motive (fighting for a playoff spot) as the Blazers did. Although the Blazers have looked in better shape than Rockets in April, I'd still give Rockets the edge.
Rockets in 4
Rockets in 5 unless something goes terribly terribly wrong.
Rockets in 6 or 7.
If POR starts making jumpers...they have a chance.
Assuming the will not dut to PO pressure, I think Houston has the edge.
Rox in 4 or 5
Blazers in 3. Mercy rule.
I want the Blazers in 7 because it will drain them and the Blazers are a better matchup for the Spurs.
However, realistically, Rox in 5, 6 max.
This is definitely the guest playoff series of the first round.
Rockets in 5, lots of close games though.
Rockets in 7. I think HOU would lose if they didn't have Beverly. That got a lucky break with that. Aldridge is going to have a huge series.
I hope the Blazers apply an ass pounding. That would suit me to a t.
If everybody is healthy and ready to go, Rox in 6.
Rockets in 6. Barring a freak fish fry accident in which James Harden' beard catches on fire as he deep fries catfish, I don't see the Blazers winning this series. Though the innate stupidity of McHale could prove to be costly. Rox move on for a Texas-sized showdown with the Spurs.
Rockets in 5
Easily the best series in the first round. Defense and coaching do the Rockets in and they get upset in 6.
Rockets in 6. Harden and Howard hero ball it out. Looking forward to seeing Lillard skull Beverly tho.
As good as the Rockets have looked, I doubt their ability to play consistent defense throughout. I think this goes 7 games with the Rockets winning a close game 7.
Portland is strangely built more for the slower paced playoffs than the regular season. They are truly only 5 deep, but that matters less in the playoffs since the pace of the game slows down, and there are more TV timeouts. Portland's starters will be able to stay on the court for 40 minutes per game or close to it. They probably wear down toward the end of the series but they're going to give Houston all they can handle. I think Portland will play better team defense in the series, although Asik's emergence could be a big factor for the Rockets interior.
It'll be interesting to see how Portland defends Harden. Personally I'd let him go off for 35 a game and just shut everyone else down. Force Harden to beat you on his own for 7 games.
Excited to watch this series unfold. Both teams could give the Spurs problems in round 2.
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