Houston are LEGIT!!!

[hardenASG13]

There's a possibility that reed sheppard be the best player of this team base on potential..for amen play making still a concern as he is a recipient of hockey passes from his team mates..look at the sacramento game where kings back court expose him and green..

Care to explain your logic on that? Amen is a freak athlete among freak athletes, and is already showing an improved midrange/pull up game. His on ball defense has been insane lately. What has Sheppard shown to make you think that? Shooting at a good clip at Kentucky for a year? This isn't a knock on Sheppard, but Amen has some of the highest potential in the league.

Nba still a 3 point shooting game if sengun is a poor mans sabonis.. jalen green is a poorman lavine and even amen thompson as a rich man wiggins... A poor mans curry defensive minded trae young might be still the best player on that bunch.. the only issue to reed is his size..

Amen is a giannis level athlete, with a better midrange game in year 2 than giannis had. He's quicker on defense and getting off his feet as well imo. Just can't see how Sheppard has more potential than that, especially considering he hasn't contributed anything to this point. Thompson will be their superstar imo, he's a respectable 3 point shot away from being a star right now. I think behind Wembanyama and Chet, Thompson has an argument with anyone in the league in terms of potential among young guys. Sheppard could be the next Jimmer Fredette for all we know.

[toooskies]

Houston's a good team. They're 2nd in the West for a reason. Do not read the below as me making excuses.

Houston was better than Cleveland on each of those individual nights. Mobley was out for one of those games and not himself for the second in his first game back from injury, and Cleveland had to play a game in between those Houston matchups while Houston didn't. The Cavs were also missing Okoro and LeVert, which meant that the Cavs didn't have the length to contest many 3-point shots.

Houston shot 44%, 46%, and 41% from three in those games. They are a 34% three-point shooting team on the season. Did Houston figure something out as a team, or are they just on a hot streak that could fade at any moment? How reliably does Dillon Brooks go 10/15 from three?

Cavs aren’t as good as their record shows. They’re just padding wins in a an incredibly weak conference. Nobody is worried about okoro or lavert, besides both Jabari and whitmore are better and they didn’t play.

Jabari was out and cam whitmore was sick, that’s why he only played 10 minutes in the last game.

The Cavs are 13-3 against the West. The Cavs have been beating up on nearly everyone.

The Cavs don't need Okoro and LeVert to scare you. They just need to fight through a few more screens than Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill do so that Green and FVV don't get so many open looks or clear paths to the basket.

[Sane]

It's funny, our win column is full of teams who "mean no disrespect, but this is a game we lost rather than one that Houston won."

That's a lot of teams having bad nights.

[RingoKid]

Comparisons to the '22 Grizz team cant be helped because the heart and soul of that team - Brooks and Adams - are now fuelling Houstons immaculate vibe.

Dumbass Coach Jenkins threw both under the bus and thinks a rookie Edey and a bunch of spare parts he doesn't know how to use are gonna take up the slack.

Memphis will go as far as gimpy Ja can carry them. Bounced in the 1st round is my guess.

Now if Rockets could get the other standout role player from the 22 grizz team in Tyus Jones they'd be complete cos back up to Fredro is Houstons biggest weakness.

[ocelot17]

It took 10 three pointers made from Dillon Brooks with DWhite, Horford and Hauser all out for the Celtics for the Rockets to pull out a 2 point win against the Celtics. I give Houston 100% credit but I wouldn't use the word "dismantle".

You want to make excuses yet you conveniently forgot to mention cam whitmore and Jabari were out last night. They’re better than white and horford.

I didn't make excuses for the Rockets winning, my whole point was the Rockets didn't "dismantle" the Celtics. I gave the Rockets 100% credit. Read the post.

You’re implying rockets got lucky that brooks made 10 threes and Celtics were without white and horford.

Next time, it won’t be brooks that goes off. It could be Green, sengun or cam whitmore that scores 30 points.

[Celts17Pride]

You want to make excuses yet you conveniently forgot to mention cam whitmore and Jabari were out last night. They’re better than white and horford.

I didn't make excuses for the Rockets winning, my whole point was the Rockets didn't "dismantle" the Celtics. I gave the Rockets 100% credit. Read the post.

You’re implying rockets got lucky that brooks made 10 threes and Celtics were without white and horford.

Next time, it won’t be brooks that goes off. It could be Green, sengun or cam whitmore that scores 30 points.

Go back to bed.

[ken6199]

All they need to do is explode in one or two 7 game series, and get lucky in a couple of other situations. Some lucky bounces, opponent's main gun twisted his ankle, etc. Then it's possible.

Championships have been won that way before. You don't have to be the best team that year beating all the top teams.

One shot. One opportunity.

[drone3]

Amen is so fun to watch...Rockets going to lockdown in the POs

[OkcSinceSGA]

No, no, no, they still have a lot to prove, is what I keep hearing, when I hear anything about them at all. For example they still haven’t beaten two top placed teams in different time zones on the same day, that’s the kind of thing that the Rockets have to do to earn some respect. You know, the usual thing.

I know this is sarcasm, but they are literally a repeat of Grizzlies in 2022+2023, and we saw how that turned out. Very young, loaded with athleticism and talent that just overwhelmed team with that and defense. But they lacked a CLEAR go to playoff closer that was reliable, and when teams are allowed to get more physical, their IQ deficiency (relative to the top tier teams) cost them.

They don't have a top 10 player or MVP tier guy. They have a bunch of 2nd, 3rd and 4th option worthy guys on contenders that don't have the pressure of superstars. Come playoff time these kind of teams just have zero chance. If you don't have a guy you can look at and say yea, he can carry you for multiple series... you pretty much have no shot. They don't have an SGA, Jokic, Luka, LeBron, Kawhi, AD, Ant, KD or Booker tier guy out west.

They are very talented, team, physical. I'm not bashing them. But like Memphis before them which went 2nd round then swept out of 1st the next year.... I don't expect them to do anything at all in the playoffs. This is a team where I can see them losing to basically every team out west in round 1. Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, OKC, Mavs, even random team like the Spurs or Wolves most likely.

What's my prediction? They are a 52-54 win team that gets beat in the 1st round, or badly beat in round 2 if they get a good draw. They are headed now toward a showdown with the Lakers or Clippers in round 1 and I don't think they would beat either one.

[JustBuzzin]

No, no, no, they still have a lot to prove, is what I keep hearing, when I hear anything about them at all. For example they still haven’t beaten two top placed teams in different time zones on the same day, that’s the kind of thing that the Rockets have to do to earn some respect. You know, the usual thing.

I know this is sarcasm, but they are literally a repeat of Grizzlies in 2022+2023, and we saw how that turned out. Very young, loaded with athleticism and talent that just overwhelmed team with that and defense. But they lacked a CLEAR go to playoff closer that was reliable, and when teams are allowed to get more physical, their IQ deficiency (relative to the top tier teams) cost them.

They don't have a top 10 player or MVP tier guy. They have a bunch of 2nd, 3rd and 4th option worthy guys on contenders that don't have the pressure of superstars. Come playoff time these kind of teams just have zero chance. If you don't have a guy you can look at and say yea, he can carry you for multiple series... you pretty much have no shot. They don't have an SGA, Jokic, Luka, LeBron, Kawhi, AD, Ant, KD or Booker tier guy out west.

They are very talented, team, physical. I'm not bashing them. But like Memphis before them which went 2nd round then swept out of 1st the next year.... I don't expect them to do anything at all in the playoffs. This is a team where I can see them losing to basically every team out west in round 1. Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, OKC, Mavs, even random team like the Spurs or Wolves most likely.

What's my prediction? They are a 52-54 win team that gets beat in the 1st round, or badly beat in round 2 if they get a good draw. They are headed now toward a showdown with the Lakers or Clippers in round 1 and I don't think they would beat either one.

You jelly Houston and Memphis getting all the attention?

We haven't forgot about OKC let the new up and coming teams get their shine on bro.

[OkcSinceSGA]

No, no, no, they still have a lot to prove, is what I keep hearing, when I hear anything about them at all. For example they still haven’t beaten two top placed teams in different time zones on the same day, that’s the kind of thing that the Rockets have to do to earn some respect. You know, the usual thing.

I know this is sarcasm, but they are literally a repeat of Grizzlies in 2022+2023, and we saw how that turned out. Very young, loaded with athleticism and talent that just overwhelmed team with that and defense. But they lacked a CLEAR go to playoff closer that was reliable, and when teams are allowed to get more physical, their IQ deficiency (relative to the top tier teams) cost them.

They don't have a top 10 player or MVP tier guy. They have a bunch of 2nd, 3rd and 4th option worthy guys on contenders that don't have the pressure of superstars. Come playoff time these kind of teams just have zero chance. If you don't have a guy you can look at and say yea, he can carry you for multiple series... you pretty much have no shot. They don't have an SGA, Jokic, Luka, LeBron, Kawhi, AD, Ant, KD or Booker tier guy out west.

They are very talented, team, physical. I'm not bashing them. But like Memphis before them which went 2nd round then swept out of 1st the next year.... I don't expect them to do anything at all in the playoffs. This is a team where I can see them losing to basically every team out west in round 1. Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, OKC, Mavs, even random team like the Spurs or Wolves most likely.

What's my prediction? They are a 52-54 win team that gets beat in the 1st round, or badly beat in round 2 if they get a good draw. They are headed now toward a showdown with the Lakers or Clippers in round 1 and I don't think they would beat either one.

You jelly Houston and Memphis getting all the attention?

We haven't forgot about OKC let the new up and coming teams get their shine on bro.

I'm one of the few here that picked Houston to take a huge leap this year. I definitely give credit to them turning around a very dysfunctional team in a year or two, largely due to a coach who's actually a leader who doesn't put up with nonsense. I'm just being honest here. They feel like a 50+ win, 1st round flameout. I don't trust them vs mid-lower seeded veteran teams in the playoffs. Do you honestly see them handling Jokic/LeBron/Kawhi or Luka in a series?

[JustBuzzin]

I know this is sarcasm, but they are literally a repeat of Grizzlies in 2022+2023, and we saw how that turned out. Very young, loaded with athleticism and talent that just overwhelmed team with that and defense. But they lacked a CLEAR go to playoff closer that was reliable, and when teams are allowed to get more physical, their IQ deficiency (relative to the top tier teams) cost them.

They don't have a top 10 player or MVP tier guy. They have a bunch of 2nd, 3rd and 4th option worthy guys on contenders that don't have the pressure of superstars. Come playoff time these kind of teams just have zero chance. If you don't have a guy you can look at and say yea, he can carry you for multiple series... you pretty much have no shot. They don't have an SGA, Jokic, Luka, LeBron, Kawhi, AD, Ant, KD or Booker tier guy out west.

They are very talented, team, physical. I'm not bashing them. But like Memphis before them which went 2nd round then swept out of 1st the next year.... I don't expect them to do anything at all in the playoffs. This is a team where I can see them losing to basically every team out west in round 1. Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, OKC, Mavs, even random team like the Spurs or Wolves most likely.

What's my prediction? They are a 52-54 win team that gets beat in the 1st round, or badly beat in round 2 if they get a good draw. They are headed now toward a showdown with the Lakers or Clippers in round 1 and I don't think they would beat either one.

You jelly Houston and Memphis getting all the attention?

We haven't forgot about OKC let the new up and coming teams get their shine on bro.

I'm one of the few here that picked Houston to take a huge leap this year. I definitely give credit to them turning around a very dysfunctional team in a year or two, largely due to a coach who's actually a leader who doesn't put up with nonsense. I'm just being honest here. They feel like a 50+ win, 1st round flameout. I don't trust them vs mid-lower seeded veteran teams in the playoffs. Do you honestly see them handling Jokic/LeBron/Kawhi or Luka in a series?

Yes I see them beating all those players because they have a better team.

My top 3 teams in the West are OKC/Memphis/Houston everyone else is a tier below imo. I'm looking forward to those 3 teams battling it out in the playoffs.

[Shock Defeat]

No, no, no, they still have a lot to prove, is what I keep hearing, when I hear anything about them at all. For example they still haven’t beaten two top placed teams in different time zones on the same day, that’s the kind of thing that the Rockets have to do to earn some respect. You know, the usual thing.

I know this is sarcasm, but they are literally a repeat of Grizzlies in 2022+2023, and we saw how that turned out. Very young, loaded with athleticism and talent that just overwhelmed team with that and defense. But they lacked a CLEAR go to playoff closer that was reliable, and when teams are allowed to get more physical, their IQ deficiency (relative to the top tier teams) cost them.

They don't have a top 10 player or MVP tier guy. They have a bunch of 2nd, 3rd and 4th option worthy guys on contenders that don't have the pressure of superstars. Come playoff time these kind of teams just have zero chance. If you don't have a guy you can look at and say yea, he can carry you for multiple series... you pretty much have no shot. They don't have an SGA, Jokic, Luka, LeBron, Kawhi, AD, Ant, KD or Booker tier guy out west.

They are very talented, team, physical. I'm not bashing them. But like Memphis before them which went 2nd round then swept out of 1st the next year.... I don't expect them to do anything at all in the playoffs. This is a team where I can see them losing to basically every team out west in round 1. Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, OKC, Mavs, even random team like the Spurs or Wolves most likely.

What's my prediction? They are a 52-54 win team that gets beat in the 1st round, or badly beat in round 2 if they get a good draw. They are headed now toward a showdown with the Lakers or Clippers in round 1 and I don't think they would beat either one.

lmao, how are we going to lose to a random team like the Spurs (not even in the play-in) or the Wolves? That's straight up disrespectful. Now I can see us losing to a healthy Clippers because they are way better than their seeding right now, or the healthy Mavs for the same reason. Majority of your post was reasonable...until you threw in San Antonio and the Wolves.

[CptCrunch]

All they need to do is explode in one or two 7 game series, and get lucky in a couple of other situations. Some lucky bounces, opponent's main gun twisted his ankle, etc. Then it's possible.

Championships have been won that way before. You don't have to be the best team that year beating all the top teams.

One shot. One opportunity.

It's possible. They are gonna grind down the low seed lacking talent, then yes 3 hot series does the job.

Amen goes on this streak again. Jalen gets his post MILF-baby mental clarify. Sengun remembers that he is the best player from 2021. Brooks and FVV making 45% FG. That is enough to beat any team in 7.

[OkcSinceSGA]

No, no, no, they still have a lot to prove, is what I keep hearing, when I hear anything about them at all. For example they still haven’t beaten two top placed teams in different time zones on the same day, that’s the kind of thing that the Rockets have to do to earn some respect. You know, the usual thing.

I know this is sarcasm, but they are literally a repeat of Grizzlies in 2022+2023, and we saw how that turned out. Very young, loaded with athleticism and talent that just overwhelmed team with that and defense. But they lacked a CLEAR go to playoff closer that was reliable, and when teams are allowed to get more physical, their IQ deficiency (relative to the top tier teams) cost them.

They don't have a top 10 player or MVP tier guy. They have a bunch of 2nd, 3rd and 4th option worthy guys on contenders that don't have the pressure of superstars. Come playoff time these kind of teams just have zero chance. If you don't have a guy you can look at and say yea, he can carry you for multiple series... you pretty much have no shot. They don't have an SGA, Jokic, Luka, LeBron, Kawhi, AD, Ant, KD or Booker tier guy out west.

They are very talented, team, physical. I'm not bashing them. But like Memphis before them which went 2nd round then swept out of 1st the next year.... I don't expect them to do anything at all in the playoffs. This is a team where I can see them losing to basically every team out west in round 1. Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, OKC, Mavs, even random team like the Spurs or Wolves most likely.

What's my prediction? They are a 52-54 win team that gets beat in the 1st round, or badly beat in round 2 if they get a good draw. They are headed now toward a showdown with the Lakers or Clippers in round 1 and I don't think they would beat either one.

lmao, how are we going to lose to a random team like the Spurs (not even in the play-in) or the Wolves? That's straight up disrespectful. Now I can see us losing to a healthy Clippers because they are way better than their seeding right now, or the healthy Mavs for the same reason. Majority of your post was reasonable...until you threw in San Antonio and the Wolves.

That part about the Spurs and Minny wasn't as a knock. It's just I've seen the tier that Wemby and Ant can get to... and it's top 5 player in any given stretch of games. I don't see Houston having counters for it, especially Wemby. So while it's a long shot, Wemby is terrifying to think about in a 7 game series if he goes to the MVP tier we've seen at times this year. You guys have some defenders to deal with Ant, but literally zero to deal with him. With Ant it's just more than he can go stupid on scoring and have 40+ point games and it doesn't matter what defense you play.

[reamily]

As long as he bulk up naturally, amen will get his giannis like scoring streak that he showed against boston..for jalen need to absorb more bumps to get more free throw opportunities and sengun to fi ish imside to open up space for houston..It wpuld be intersting how solid jabari smith can be as third or fourth option for the rockets..

[RingoKid]

The difference in post season success between this Houston team and the '22 Grizz is...

Ime Udoka isn't a clueless muppet clown like Taylor Jenkins who hasn't done shït in the playoffs.

Also Fred, Brooks and Adams knows what it takes to go on deep runs and beyond...

[azcatz11]

Bill Simmons said on his pod today he may not trade Amen for anyone in the league...the hype is officially on.

[OkcSinceSGA]

As long as he bulk up naturally, amen will get his giannis like scoring streak that he showed against boston..for jalen need to absorb more bumps to get more free throw opportunities and sengun to fi ish imside to open up space for houston..It wpuld be intersting how solid jabari smith can be as third or fourth option for the rockets..

Zero chance of that. Amen is closer to Iggy/Luol Deng on roids or AK47. He is at best on a true title contender likely to peak as a 2-3 option. I don’t see any indication at all of a premier shot creator. Which is what you need. Giannis doesn’t create his shot in pretty ways, but he can get up shots or to the rim at will nonstop.

Amen is more like a 15-20 ppg guy for a bunch of years guy than a 30+ ppg scorer.

[OkcSinceSGA]

The difference in post season success between this Houston team and the '22 Grizz is...

Ime Udoka isn't a clueless muppet clown like Taylor Jenkins who hasn't done shït in the playoffs.

Also Fred, Brooks and Adams knows what it takes to go on deep runs and beyond...

Coaching sure, Udoka is better. But Ja is also a better #1 option than anyone on Houston to take over a series and had more vets. So I think it balances out to being a similar result.

Ps.. haven’t checked on FVV recently but wasn’t he having a horrible year a month ago? Or did he turn it around?