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.
The Rockets have the best record against winning teams in the Western Conference (tied with the Clippers.) But losses to Detroit, Sacramento, New York, San Antonio (when leading by 22), Phoenix tough to overcome in race for playoff positioning.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) March 3, 2020
Here’s a look at the most important of those marquee matchups that the Rockets have left on their regular season schedule: