Courtesy of Oklahoma City’s loss Friday to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Rockets officially finished as the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference standings for the 2019-20 season. The Thunder, who were already confirmed as Houston’s first-round playoff opponent, are at No. 5.
The Rockets currently have the NBA’s longest streak of consecutive playoff berths at eight straight years, all coming since the October 2012 trade for All-Star guard and former MVP James Harden. In six of the last seven years, they have been a No. 4 seed or higher in the West standings.
Depending on the result of Friday’s late game between Houston (44-27) and Philadelphia, the Rockets could still finish in a tie for No. 4 with the Thunder (44-28) and Utah Jazz (44-28). However, Houston would finish first in that 3-team tiebreaker based on being the only division winner.
That OKC loss to LAC officially makes #Rockets the No. 4 seed.
It's the sixth time in seven seasons that Houston has finished in the West's top four. They've made the playoffs eight straight years, which is the longest streak in the NBA. James Harden is quite good. #OneMission
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) August 15, 2020
This year, the distinction of No. 4 versus No. 5 is largely cosmetic, since the 2020 NBA playoffs will be held without fans at the NBA “bubble” in Florida. In a usual year, the No. 4 would have home-court advantage and host Game 1 and Game 2, as well as Game 5 and Game 7 (if necessary).
Nonetheless, there are a few minor advantages — such as finances — that come with being the higher seed and the initial “home” team.
There is a minor financial component for how seeds 4/5 (Houston/OKC and Miami/Indy) shake out.
Ex: If OKC and MIA finish with the 4 seed, there is more $$$ to distribute between players and staff.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) August 13, 2020
Game 1 between the Rockets and Thunder will tip off at 5:30 p.m. Central on Tuesday night, with a national broadcast on TNT and a regional version (with Houston announcers) on AT&T SportsNet Southwest. All-Star guard and former MVP Russell Westbrook is unlikely to be available for the Rockets at the start of the series due to a right quadriceps strain.
Thunder lose in OT to Clippers.
Rockets are the 4 seed, OKC is 5.
Their 1st rd playoff series starts Tuesday at 5:30p (pregame coverage at 4:30p) on @SportsTalk790 . Games 1 & 2 will be in Orlando, then the series shifts to Orlando for games 3 & 4.— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) August 15, 2020
