NBA: One team every playoff favorite should want to avoid in the first round

Cleveland Cavaliers Dwane Casey (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers Dwane Casey (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
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DALLAS, TX – JANUARY 24: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 24, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – JANUARY 24: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 24, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Houston Rockets

Who they should want to avoid in the first round: San Antonio Spurs 

The Houston Rockets have easily been the best team during the regular season this year, but recent history should strike some fear in fans. Only because they could be squaring off against the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs.

The Rockets were eliminated by the Spurs in last year’s playoffs, and they’re a team that is full of guys that have been there before. Led by Gregg Popovich, even if Kawhi Leonard doesn’t return in time, the Spurs will be a difficult out.

They defend, are deep and can play the type of basketball that rivals the Rockets. Houston will be the overwhelming favorite in any first round playoff series, but they shouldn’t want to see the Spurs.