...then it is possible that they could survive without Francis, and make a push for the playoffs in the second half. Here is the schedule for the rest of November and December: Sacramento L @Memphis W San Antonio L @New York W @Chicago W Washington W @Minnesota L @Detroit W Cleveland W @Indiana W Miami W Portland L LA Lakers L Milwaukee L Phoenix L Golden State W @LA Lakers L I suppose it's possible that Francis could return for the last 2-3 games, if he comes back in four weeks. A 9-8 record seems like a reasonable expectation for me. The Rockets will have to pound on the east again. Keep in mind that the Rockets, even without Francis, are still a pretty talented team. It's all a matter of putting that talent to use. This should be reason enough to start giving Griffin heavy minutes. It is very possible that he could replace most of Steve's points per game. The Rockets played very well in the first half of the Seattle game without Francis. Since they have time to prepare for life without Steve, there is no reason why they shouldn't be able to play that well offensively in their next 17 games. In addition, the loss of Steve shouldn't hurt the Rockets' defense. He wasn't exactly their top defensive stopper. If the Rockets can continue to play scrappy, hustling defense, then they could win a lot of games, especially against the east. The Rockets need Rice to start scoring about 16 per game, while Mobley will have to go up to around 25. They can do it. The Rockets have the talent to survive this stretch, and make a big push after Steve's return. The Jazz, Blazers, and Suns aren't exactly exploding out of the gate. The Rockets should still be a playoff favorite if they can go 9-8 or 8-9 in the next 17 or so games. With that, give me your predictions on this stretch coming up. Just copy and paste my prediction, and change the Ws and Ls.
not sure about winning away games @Indiana, @ NY (with camby back), and Miami @ home (Zo will eat us for breakfast) and even @Detroit will be very tough. so 5-12 for me and the Tank will be nearly rolling then
I disagree. The Knicks WERE an awful team. That team is a totally different team with Camby. I'm not saying this because of that one game last night. His presence makes them a better team. Miami..The verdict is still out, but if they get Brian Grant back, we could be in big trouble going up against their big men. 6-11 for me with more surprise victories.
