A look at the Rockets 2009-2010 schedule: November

by Tom Martin on Aug 13, 2009 8:47 PM CDT in Random Commentary

November looks like a butcher shop. Los Angeles (twice), San Antonio, Dallas (twice), at Utah, at Atlanta - it feels like we're under the knife. On top of that, perennial stinkers Oklahoma City, Sacramento, and Memphis have improved. Honestly, the Minnesota game, along with the home games versus Sacramento and OKC are the only sure-fire wins. And that's assuming that a shaky roster such as the Rockets can really have any "sure-fire" wins.

If there is hope for a decent November record, it lies in the divot-sized chip on our shoulder. Too many should-be wins were given away in 2008-09 due to a lack of a killer instinct, as the oft-favored Rockets played down to their competition. This team should overcome that. Each player is looking to prove his worth whenever possible.

And that includes the fourth quarter, when throats should and will be stepped on. Pray that we'll be lowering the foot.

On paper, November could be the Rockets' toughest month, and if it is not, then it's right up there with December. There are three back-to-backs, and aside from Phoenix, each of these teams are as good or better than they were last season.

Of course we'll beat... Oklahoma City on November 6th. The Rockets will have a day to rest after playing the Lakers, which should be plenty of time for Morey's minions to suck up to Kevin Durant. LeBron may be 2010, but Durantula is 2011.

It will take a miracle to defeat... Los Angeles on November 15th. You could argue that beating Utah in Salt Lake City is asking too much of these Rockets. Of course, you'd be banned instantly for doing so.

Don't be shocked if we beat... Dallas on the 25th. Having four days off after the Kings game should bode well for Houston, and while Dallas is loaded offensively, it remains to be seen if they can defend. A subpar shooting night from the Mavericks could lead to a strong win for Houston.

Watch out for...Minnesota on the 18th. Big Al is back, and while Minny's draft strategy was quite lame, the Timberwolves have always managed to hang around against Houston in the Twin Cities. I'm not calling a loss, but I'm not betting my couch on a win either.

Best Case Scenario: Rockets finish the month 9-5, including a win in Atlanta.

Realistic Prediction: Rockets finish the month 7-7. And hey, a .500 record in November would be fine by me.

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Comments

Wouldn't the best case scenario be

(by definition) the Rockets going 14-0?

Your friendly neighborhood Dream Shake mod.

by Only_A_Lad on Aug 13, 2009 9:40 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

-1

for being a smart ass.

The Dream Shake ...on Twitter.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak

by Tom Martin on Aug 13, 2009 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Truth.

by DribbleHooper on Aug 14, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions

That would be the best in my opinion...

and then as long as we’re dreaming, why not throw in D-Wade (2010) and Durantula (2011) as stocking stuffers.

by bigalshouseoflove on Aug 13, 2009 9:48 PM CDT reply actions

yes minnesota will be tough

we had trouble even when we had yao. al jefferson probably played the best d on yao that i saw last season, and with out yao he will massacre our undersized bigs. sigh… its gonna be tough to defend opposing bigs next season.

Its so damn hot... milk was a bad choice

by Golden Ratio on Aug 13, 2009 11:57 PM CDT reply actions

.500 Ball

Good call on 7-7 being a commendable record for these Rockets facing this schedule.

Also, you’re correct in surmising that we won’t even get there unless the boys develop that killer instinct that failed Yao and Co. in the early portion of last season. Quite simply, the Rockets need to both get out to a good start and close out victories. Not sure that any return by mcgrady would facilitate the closing out of opponents. Someone, Scola, Landry, Brooks, Ariza, whoever, needs to step up and be the designated finisher.

by keemdream34 on Aug 14, 2009 6:31 AM CDT reply actions

Brooks

has proven he can be a legit closer from time to time – whether he can do it on a nightly basis has yet to be seen.

"I am from one of the top 15 cities in the world. Buffalo, New York." - TrentEdwardsHoF2018

by Artest4Prez on Aug 14, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions

I’m not so sure OKC will be nearly as weak a ball club this season as they were last season. I’m almost expecting them to be the big surprise of the season.

Keyword being “almost”.

by DribbleHooper on Aug 14, 2009 5:48 PM CDT reply actions