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 Rockets will ignite in playoffs
Posted: Thursday May 06, 1999 03:43 PM
The most intriguing first-round matchup of the playoffs figures to be the Rockets-Lakers series, where the loser will have to face some major offseason questions. Going down in the first round would force the Rockets to examine their offensive system. Houston isn't paying forward Scottie Pippen an average of more than $13 million a year just to be a spectator while Hakeem Olajuwon and Charles Barkley post up, but that's what often happens in their halfcourt set. The Lakers didn't put together one of the highest payrolls in the league just to go home early either. If they lose the series, they will spend the summer trying to devise a system that will keep Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and Glen Rice happy at the same time. But don't expect L.A. to break up that threesome. The Lakers front office still believes that, with the benefit of training camp and a full regular season, the trio can learn to play well together. Coach Kurt Rambis almost certainly needs a strong playoff showing to keep his job, but he's not likely to get it. The pick here is Houston in five. Sleepers alertIf you're looking for sleepers, keep an eye on Atlanta in the East and Sacramento in the West. Neither team is very deep, but in the playoffs, you don't have to be.
The Hawks were just 6-8 in the games that guard Steve Smith missed because of injuries, but it's no coincidence that they made a strong run at the Central Division title when he came back late in the season. Dikembe Mutombo's shot-blocking presence in the middle can have a major impact in a short series, and the East is weak, so don't be surprised to see the Hawks do some damage. As for Sacramento, Utah coach Jerry Sloan says that the Kings are the team no one wants to play. Point guard Jason Williams and forward Chris Webber are an explosive combination, and center Vlade Divac gives them playoff experience. If the Kings get off to a good, confidence-building start, they'll be awfully tough to handle. Quick exit alertOrlando, on the other hand, could very well be a first-round flameout. The Magic began to unravel late in the regular season as Penny Hardaway and Nick Anderson squabbled over the shooting guard spot and those two will have to put aside their differences in a hurry to get Orlando back on track.Another problem for the Magic is that center Ike Austin has been one of this season's most disappointing free agent acquisitions, with only one double figure rebounding game all year. Orlando is relying heavily on Austin's backup, rookie Michael Doleac, as well as another rookie, forward Matt Harpring. Counting on youngsters in the postseason usually leads to an early exit. Sports Illustrated senior writer Phil Taylor covers the NBA and appears regularly on CNN/Sports Illustrated and CNN's This Week in the NBA.
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