Even though the Clippers (43-19) handed the Rockets (39-22) a double-digit loss in their nationally televised matchup on Thursday, Houston could still pass both Los Angeles and the Denver Nuggets (42-20) in the Western Conference standings before the start of the 2020 NBA playoffs.
However, things could easily go in the other direction for the Rockets, since they’re smack dab in the middle of what has become a tight Western Conference race. As much as the No. 2 Clippers are within the Rockets’ range, so too are the No. 7 Dallas Mavericks (38-25).
This means Houston needs to take care of business against the easier opponents left on their 2019-20 schedule, which they haven’t always done, and they need to steal a few of their marquee matchups, as well.
Here’s a look at the most important of those marquee matchups that the Rockets have left on their regular season schedule:
5. Lakers in Los Angeles on March 12
The road to the Finals goes through the Staples Center. And if the standings stay the same, the No. 4 Rockets would be in position to face the No. 1 Lakers in the second round.
Next week, Houston gets one last chance to see how their small-ball approach will fair against the massive size of the Lakers.
4. Mavericks in Dallas on March 23
The Rockets actually have two games remaining against the Mavs, the second being on April 7 in Houston.
Of course, there’s Dallas vs. Houston. Then there’s the Luka Doncic vs. James Harden battle.
And with the two teams only separated by a few games, both games could also lead to a shift in the standings. Holding off the Mavericks for the Southwest Division would also give the Rockets a leg up in several potential tiebreaker scenarios.
3. Bucks in Milwaukee on March 25
At one point a Bucks-Rockets game was just a quality matchup. Now it’s taken on a whole new meaning with the Harden vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo feud.
Antetokounmpo can try to downplay it, but when the game starts, he and Harden are going to do their best to one-up each other on a possession-to-possession basis.
2. Sixers in Philadelphia on March 31
Most teams have a size advantage over the Rockets, but few do to the level of Philadelphia. The Rockets’ game plan for Joel Embiid — if he plays — will be must-watch basketball.
Also, even though the Sixers have been a bit of a disappointment this year, they’re always tough at home.
Lastly, this is Houston’s final game of a tough five-game road trip.
1. Raptors at home on April 5
Not only do the Raptors have size, but they’re also athletic. Pascal Siakam will put Houston’s defense to the test from start to finish.
Also, Kyle Lowry is another guy who gave Harden a hard time during NBA All-Star Weekend, more with his actions on the court than through the media. This will be the Rockets superstar’s last chance to put Lowry in the blender — barring a meeting in the NBA Finals.
