Houston Sports: Three New Year Predictions for 2018

Prediction #2: Rockets will make the Western Conference Finals

Until the Rockets started to lose five straight, we thought it was there year. However, Houston’s losing streak reminded Houston Sports fans that a slump will happen. It has happened and might continue to happen. Then there’s the issue of James Harden right now.

With Harden being out for possibly a couple of weeks due to a hamstring issue, everyone is wondering where will the season go. I think the Rockets haven’t peaked as a team yet. This Rockets team has gelled well when they’ve played well. But to be honest, they haven’t reached the level of Golden State yet.

Why the Rockets will make the Western Conference Finals

Sure, the Rockets have beaten the Warriors in the past, but the problem is, the Rockets are turning into a dominant regular season team that struggles in the postseason. It’s the same theory that has plagued other teams like the Colts, the Dodgers, the Raptors, and the Capitals just to name a few teams.

I do think that at some point, this scenario changes soon. Perhaps this year. But to be on the safe side Houston Sports fans, I think the Rockets will go to the Western Conference Finals. When healthy and in control, Houston is almost unbeatable. However, they’re possibly the third or fourth best team in the NBA behind Golden State, Cleveland, and Boston.

But also consider that Houston Sports fans alike wanted James Harden to win the NBA MVP, but was denied because there is no simple standard in the NBA MVP voting. Steph Curry won because he led the Warriors to the best record. Russell Westbrook won because he carried the Thunder to the eighth seed in the West with his triple-double magic. Unless the NBA decides to stop changing narratives, then the Rockets and they’re fans should stop worrying about the MVP and focus on a championship.

If the Rockets make a deep playoff run, we’re looking at a team that’s bound to make the finals the next year. We said the same thing in 2016, but look what happened there. At the end of the day, it comes down to how the 2018 Rockets fare against great competition and how they can execute and coincide as a team.