OKC Thunder: Dissecting 16 playoff seeds and 4 WC team records

Houston Rockets:

• 64 games played (40-24)
• Record versus seeded teams: 33 occasions (19-14)
• Record versus lottery teams: 31 occasions (21-10).
• Home record (22-10)
• Road record: (18-14)
• Back to back sets: Nine played (8-10)
  • two sets with both teams seeded (2-2)
  • seven with seeded and one lottery team (6-8)

The Rockets entered the hiatus seeded sixth in the West and tenth overall. OKC owns the tiebreak so they are seeded ahead but the Rockets like the Thunder can move ahead of the Jazz who hold a one-game edge over them. Similarly, the Rockets could catch the Heat who are ranked eighth and up a half-game on Houston or the Nuggets who they trail by 2.5 games.

Houston hit the break on a bit of a downward slide losing four of their last five games and three of those were against the Knicks, Hornets, and Magic. The Rockets haven’t been a strong road team nor are they feasting in back-to-back sets. However, this team is still adjusting to their small-ball schemes. Of all the teams that matchups will play a major factor, the Rockets’ ability to succeed. Opponents who excel at stopping transition and defend the perimeter well are a nightmare for Houston.

If the NBA elects to jump directly into the playoffs but re-seeds by league standing the Rockets stand to be the greatest benefactor given they’ll align with the Jazz. However, if games are played it won’t be surprising if the Jazz drops down the ladder.