This is a bigger series for the Rockets than the Lakers. The Rockets really need to win this series and they should. A win in this series should take any heat off Udoka or Stone and let them enter the off season claiming they don’t need to make any big changes - and negotiate for trades from a position of strength. The Rockets lose this series and it is probably the only way TF makes any changes to the FO or coaching staff. From a legacy perspective it lets LBJ see if he can carry a team on his back one last time. I don’t think he will be able to do it at 40 years old, but it will be interesting to watch. For the Rockets, it lets the younger players get more playoff experience. Players like Thompson, Sengun, Sheppard and Smith need some experience. They will get crushed in round 2 - but should win round 1 and see how good the teams in front of them are in round 2. TF gets to sell some playoff home games- Stone gets to tell TF they are “on the right track”. It also will let the coaches and front office see if Sengun and Sheppard are playable defensively.
Denver is a bad matchup for us. Idk call me crazy or w/e but i think we'll beat okc. N if that happens nobody is beating us after that
Well, good luck with no bench other than Tari and Reed. Would be hell of a run though, not gonna lie to survive 4 rounds of no HC advantage.
All I know is we are winning game #1 because I'm going. I went to 2 World Series Astros games (2017 and 2022) and we won both games and the series, so I'm Uber confident in this (#This is not an endorsement to bet as I am obviously delusional and have no idea what I'm talking about)