NBA Playoff Picture: Can the Rockets Catch the Warriors?

Mar 8, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jeremy Lin (7) reacts after the Rockets were called for kicking the ball against the Golden State Warriors in the third quarter at ORACLE arena. The Rockets defeated the Warriors 94-88. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

In the NBA playoff race, there are four teams in the Western Conference that are competing for the final four spots. With the injury to Kobe Bryant, the Lakers are deeply concerned about their chances. The Jazz are slumping as of late. Both these teams have given opportunity to the Mavericks and Blazers to claim the 8th spot. This is, of course, granted only if Kobe Bryant comes back. Let’s face it, the Jazz aren’t going on a hot streak soon.

The  6th position will be a battle between the Golden State Warriors, and the Houston Rockets, two teams with young life that’s good enough to get into the second round of the postseason. Both teams are obviously competing for the higher seed because neither wants to play Oklahoma City or San Antonio in the first round of the playoffs. The Clippers or the Grizzlies, however, seem like they’ll be a bit less abrasive in battle.

The Warriors are currently two games ahead of the Rockets and flourishing at a homestand. The Rockets, on the other hand, have entered a cold streak that they’ve been trying to get out of. The Dubs have lost to them three times this season already, but the Rockets have a worse record.

For the Warriors, the goal would be just making the playoffs, but with the hype that surrounds the team, they would love to get past the first round. They need to win this final home game against Chicago, and hope the unlikely doesn’t happen: Derrick Rose returns. After that, they set out on a three game road trip to face the Rockets, the Spurs, and the Hornets. The game against the Rockets will be huge: whoever wins this game is likely the winner of the sixth position. The Warriors should be playing like it’s a playoff game.

The Rockets and the Warriors both have many home games to finish the season, but the Warriors have a much easier schedule, based on record of the team. As a great home team, they’ll continue to pick up the home wins, and rise in the standings.

The Rockets, however, are also good at home and will be on the tails of the Warriors the whole time. It’s almost safe to say that these two teams have secured a playoff spot, but nobody can be sure who will end up where.

Final Verdict: The Warriors will stay in the 6th position.

Any opinion? If you like the Rockets, or see less error in a team lead by Harden, comment below and tell me why you support them.