22 IN A ROW!

An incredible run by the Houston Rockets came to a halt last night when Boston dominated the second half and beat the Rockets by 20. Previously I predicted that the Rockets without Yao would start to fall back and not make the playoffs. Currently, they probably will make the postseason but I would not be surprised if they fell to the 6th spot. They got blown out in the second half last night after being tied at halftime and tonight they were tied with the Hornets going into the 4th quarter before losing by 21. The schedule continues to be rough with 2 road games on consecutive nights at Golden State and Phoenix. Next week they play the Kings at home and despite the record, the Kings are not a bad team. After several days off, the Rockets take a short trip to San Antonio to face the struggling Spurs team (who by that time will probably have righted the ship). Counting the last 2 games, its conceivable that the Rockets could have a stretch where they lose 5 of 7 games by the end of the month and if that is the case, its likely they would be in the #5 slot in the Western Conference. I hope they do fall back because they are a boring team to watch. I like McGrady and Alston but the other players are no names and they play very slowly.

On another note, I am very impressed with how Shaq is playing for the Suns (who have won 6 straight including tonight's game - they are up by 2 as I type this but I will give them a win in Seattle). Shaq has been rebounding the ball nicely and has contributed offensively. I still think Marion was a MUCH better fit but I guess we will see what intangibles Shaq brings in the playoffs.

On the injury front the Lakers are in trouble. Bynum is not coming back until the playoffs (if he comes back at all in the end) and will not have the proper time to get into game shape. More importantly Gasol is out for a few games with an ankle injury and that might really hurt them for the short term with regard to seeding. I agree with Charles Barkley who says that any team seeded 5-8 has no chance to get to the finals. I would give the Suns, Lakers, Spurs and Jazz chances to get to the finals but if either of those teams have to win 3 straight series on the road, those chances will significantly decrease.

The Eastern Conference will be decided in Game 7 of the Detroit at Boston series. Boston will be tired from a long tough series with Lebron but I still think they will have enough for 1 reason: KG wants it more than Rasheed.