NBA Playoff bracket: if the season ended today, Rockets would reunite with old friend

The Houston Rockets belong in the NBA playoffs.

They've spoiled their fanbase over the years. Over 58 seasons, this franchise has made 34 playoff appearances. Their track record gets stronger from the '90s onward.

Since then, the Rockets have largely been successful. When the Steve Francis era seemed doomed to fail, they pivoted to Yao Ming. When Ming's (and Tracy McGrady's) bodies failed them, the Rockets treaded water as a low-level playoff team until they were able to land James Harden.

The rest is history - or more accurately, the rest is contemporary. Harden came and went. The Rockets tanked for the first time in franchise history. Now, they're returning to the playoffs.

If the season ended today, they'd reunite with Harden.

Rockets poised for showdown with old friend

As of now, the Rockets are the second seed in the Western Conference. Harden's Clippers occupy the seventh seed. So, if the season ended today, we'd see Harden back in the Toyota Center.

It's perfect. It's ripe with narrative value. Will Harden be met with a cascade of boo's? Will Rockets fans be able to resist the instinct to pump their fists when he hits a step-back three? Or, will the building feel ambiviliant above all else?

Here's hoping we get to find out. A series with Harden's Clippers make for a fantastic story.

It also makes for a winnable series for the Rockets.

Rockets prepared to conquer Clippers

At least, that's what the season series tells us. The Rockets have won their last 4 games against the Clippers.

Granted, Kawhi Leonard wasn't available for any of those games. That's an important point, but it can be countered. Firstly, nobody should wish ill health on anyone, but let's be honest - the odds that Leonard won't be available for every game of a series are high. He's among the most injury-prone players in the NBA.

Otherwise, there are structural, basketball reasons why the Clippers are a favorable matchup for Houston. The Rockets lead the NBA in rebounds per game (48.6 per game), while the Clippers rank 20th (43.8). The Clippers like to go small when Ivica Zubac sits, but against the Rockets, that's not an option - they will physically dominate you.

None of which is to say that the Clippers will be a walk in the park. In the brutal Western Conference, nothing will be given. Still, this is as favorable of a matchup as the Rockets could ask for.

It may be the most entertaining as well.