The Rockets are competing with the Grizzlies, the Nuggets and the Jazz for the last 3 spots of the western conference.

Looking at the 4 teams schedule (including the Rockets), I think that the Rockets will grab the 7th or 8th spot.

The Grizzlies have the heaviest schedule with 16 games remaining for the last month but most of them winnable (except OKC x2, @LAL). If they stay healthy, they can easily finish with a 11-5 record and get the 6th seed.

The Nuggets have the most balanced schedule with 2 tough games (@OKC & @LAL) and the key will be the back-to-back with the Rockets and the 2 games with the Magic. I hope the Rockets could beat them twice. They don't have Nene anymore and we are well loaded at front-court. But their back-court can kill the Rox anytime.

The Jazz have currently the worse record (27-26) of those teams with some games to play not so easy: 2x @Suns, @ Mavs, @ Spurs, Spurs and Magic. Plus, 1 game @ Toyota Center! I think they still can grab 8 Ws but it will not be enough.

Left the Rockets. They need 7 wins and can afford to lose both games against the Nuggets to finish at 8th spot. The key stretch will be Kings, Blazers, Jazz and Suns + the 2x Hornets and the Warriors games. Rockets schedule looks like the toughest one with @Bulls, @Lakers, @Mavs and @Heat. But they don't need to win those games.

The bonus is the Pacers game. They win it and they will be well launched toward the Playoff!

Your predictions?

GO ROCKETS!!!