#Nba houston rockets roster 2018 series

(Alternative explanation: I am tempted to take Boston because I think it can learn from what Indiana did and Toronto didn't do, but I just can't pick against LeBron again.) Prediction:В Cavs in 6.Д¬olin Ward-Henninger:В As crazy it is to pick against LeBron James, I've just fallen in love with this Celtics team over the past few months. I'll split the difference, then, and predict Cleveland will advance in a close series. James Herbert: The Celtics' defense is better than the Pacers, but the Cavs' offense is better than it was a couple of weeks ago, with Kevin Love and George Hill healthy. How's that for analysis? Prediction: Cavs in 6. It's clear if I picked the Raptors you cannot listen to a word I say, and indeed, I have zero confidence in picking this series. I picked them to go to the Finals to start the playoffs, then went back on that and picked the Raptors (oops) in six. I've gone back and forth on this Cavs team all year. Prediction: Cavs in 6.Д«rad Botkin: Color me clueless on this one, but if I have to err, I'm going to err on the side of LeBron James. It'll be a rock fight, like Brad Stevens wants, but LeBron will ultimately impose his will. There's just been too much adversity for this team to overcome, especially with LeBron having perhaps the best playoffs of his career, and with his supporting cast finally deciding to show up. Reid Forgrave:В The Celtics are the ultimate overachieving team, but I believe the hamstring that's slowing down Jaylen Brown will be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Meanwhile, Curry still doesn't look to be his old self, and the Rockets' home-court advantage is a big boon for an underdog looking to complete a conference finals upset. Its two stars, Chris Paul and James Harden, are hitting their stride at a perfect time. Especially for Golden State, which faces a Houston team that has been the best in the NBA all season. And while I'm impressed with its run through the West, I'm hesitant about teams trying to switch to another gear for the playoffs. Kyle Boone:В Golden State coasted through most of the regular season but has noticeably turned its intensity up a notch in the postseason. It's up to the Rockets to prove us all wrong. The Warriors don't have to prove anything to anybody. They're still the greatest collection of talent we've ever seen put together on a roster. I really want to pick them to win this series, but the Warriors have done nothing to show why they shouldn't still be considered the favorite to repeat as champions. Chris Paul is finally in the conference finals. Prediction:В Warriors in 6.Д¬hris Barnewall: The Rockets have been incredible. The Rockets will probably put up their best fight, but I just don't see anyone in the league beating this Warriors team four times. With Steph Curry healthy, the Warriors are just too good, too talented. Their offense is as powerful as ever, they quietly built an elite defense and they have two true stars in the backcourt. Jack Maloney:В The Rockets are a really strong team. The Warriors are the better team, and they come in as healthy and energetic as they've been all season, so as much as I'd like the Rockets to give them a real challenge, I'm just not sure that's how it will play out. It may not be fair, but I can't believe it from Houston until I see it. The Rockets are much improved this season, but so were the Raptors when they were brutally swept yet again by the Cavs. Maybe I'm biased from watching the Warriors in person this postseason, but it's hard for me to see any team beating them. Prediction:В Warriors in 7.Д¬olin Ward-Henninger:В I want to believe in the Rockets - I really do. If Stephen Curry isn't quite himself or the Warriors' turnover issues appear at the wrong time, this is the rare opponent that can actually punish them. That said, the Rockets have the best statistical profile of any team Golden State has faced in the Steve Kerr era and they have a small army of elite defenders to throw at Kevin Durant.

James Herbert: I can't bring myself to pick against a team that I think has the best roster ever assembled. We'll go back and forth, but in the end, Durant can get his shot whenever he needs to, and that will put Golden State over the top down the stretch of games and ultimately in this series. Stephen Curry looks healthy and had a great Game 5 against New Orleans to send them into the conference finals on a good note.

This should be an incredible series, particularly if both teams find their typical 3-point form, which they haven't been able to do to the point.

#Nba houston rockets roster 2018 series

But the series starts in Houston so I'll say it goes seven. Brad Botkin: The Warriors are really clicking right now, and if they had home-court advantage, I'd take them in six.