The Houston Rockets News and Notes from around the web.
Despite their tremendous victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder. As well as the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks winning their respective games Sunday night. The Houston Rockets are still on the outside looking into the playoffs.
With two weeks remaining before the start of the 2016 Playoffs. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports believes the wounded Memphis Grizzlies will fall out of the postseason race. In his 5 Takeaways From Sunday’s NBA action.
"Here’s one increasingly interesting playoff scenario: Maybe all three of Houston, Dallas, and Utah make the playoffs because Memphis falls out. The incredibly banged up Grizzlies — no Mike Conley, no Marc Gasol, and on down the line — have lost six in a row after Orlando beat them Sunday. The Griz have lost 10-of-12, and while currently the five seed in the West they are just three games up on nine-seed Houston. It is possible the Grizzlies lose all five remaining games (two against record chasing Golden State), and if that happens they could fall out of the postseason altogether."
I have to agree with Helin. The one team with the best possibility of falling out of the postseason race are the Grizzlies. Especially since they have to face the Golden State Warriors twice in the final week of the season.
As for Houston. With four of their remaining five opponents under .500. The Rockets should not have a problem clinching a playoff birth. So don’t worry Red Nation. The Rockets will make the playoffs this season. The question now becomes, who will their first round opponent be?
With Kevin Durant in Houston Sunday afternoon. The Rockets have revealed their plans in recruiting the former MVP this summer. According to Michael Pina of Fox Sports. Pina feels James Harden‘s pitch has the potential to make Houston a realistic destination for Durant.
"If Harden constantly buzzes in Durant’s ear, it could very well be enough to land an official meeting with Rockets management, and that’s all the team can ask for. Sure, they’ve been one of the biggest disappointments in the league, but with Durant on board, they’d have two top-5 offensive players and an owner who’s more than willing to exceed the luxury tax threshold with his team competing for a championship. The same can’t be said for the Thunder."
In case, you been living under a rock the last few days. I’m sure you all have heard that Yao Ming will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame this summer. In honor of his enshrinement, ESPN staff writer Calvin Watkins calls Yao the emperor of Houston and Chinese basketball.
"Lee estimates the population of Rockets fans increased mainly because of Asian fans migrating to the Houston area for other businesses. Based on U.S. Census Bureau numbers, Houston has a five percent Asian population. And while some weren’t basketball fans, they knew who Yao was. “Yao made Houston famous around the world,” Lee said. “I think it gradually happened, people remember him for basketball but he was so much more.” Yao conducted visits not only to Chinatown while he played, but other areas of the city, as well for numerous charity events. He always attended with a smile and a humble attitude.”"
With the Houston Rockets set to take on the New Orleans Pelicans in China this October. It is just another reminder that Yao’s global impact goes far beyond the court!
Next: Should The Rockets Trade for Jahlil Okafor?
Next: Harden Vows to Shave Beard if Rockets Mis Playoffs?
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