ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Blazers 12/12/2013

I hope Parson/Lin/Asik/Smith are all healthy. Against a hot team like Portland the Rockets will need all the weapons they have.
I especially hope Asik is healthy and ready to play, since he will be the key to neutralizing Aldridge like he did last time, and can give Dwight the space to defend Lopez.

 

I don't know what to predict for this game. The Rockets won in Portland back in early November fairly easily when they were playing mediocre ball and the Blazers were pretty solid(and Houston was in their 4th game in 5 nights if I recall correctly).

It would be a huge statement game if they could get this though. The Blazers are a young team, so to win twice on their home floor would definitely get in their heads. Plus we're only 2 1/2 games back of them(and first place in the West), so it's important from that standpoint as well.

 

Asik played awesome defense against Aldridge. Will he play on Thursday?

And what about Lin?

 

This is the game for both teams to make a statement that they are the real deal, especially for us. I think we are heading North whilst the Trailblazers are heading South.

WIN WIN WIN!

 

I think this Blazers team is good but a bit overrated right now. This should be winnable even though we are undermanned due to having 3 days of rest, IF McHale can get them to come out with energy.

 

Hoping Rox can post a win. Portland is playing well

 

Making the trip from Vancouver, BC to see my first ever Rockets game! Hope it's a win!

 

I bet this gives Morey wood.

TNT game--finally

 

Coming off a 3 day break will definitely be very advantageous for us especially with all the teams injuries.

The blazers team is definately a solid playoff team, and for those ppl that say blazers are overrated, most analysts have not predicted that they would be these good so its more accurate to say they were underrated.

They weapons in the perimeter as well as down low. They have key players that can attract double teams, drive to the basket, shoot 3's in a constant clip, very well coached and have veterans on the team. On top of that they now have a deeper bench and are very strong at home. They will definitely make some noise come playoff time.

 

Nothing like being able to watch the squad on tv on back to back nights...YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY

 

Healthy or not, I seriously doubt Asik will play.

 

The Rockets are going to go into Portland and put their feet all on the couch like Rick James.... Like they did the last time...

 

lmao.

 

Hope bevelrey step up, since lin properly not 100%, last time lin do a better job on lillard.

 

Man you haven't watched any blazers game it seems. They are rated right. Their offensive scheme fits their players with lot of ball movement and screens. LMA hitting mids almost automatic and Lillard one of top 3pt shooters in the league

 

Beverly and Brooks need to play 48 minutes of in your face defense on Lillard.

Parsons is going to need to defend Batum so Harden needs to be engaged and run Matthews off of the 3pt line.

How we go with the bigs will be interesting. There are valid arguments for Howard guarding Aldridge but I feel we must go with Jones. Even if we gets burned, he is showing signs of being our 4 of the future so every possession will help him develop in the long run.

If we use Casspi at the 4 on Aldridge he has to make his 3's but more often attack the basket. (If all he does is shot 3's it becomes 2 on 1 on the glass.

Our perimeter guys have to keep the Portland bigs off of the glass.

I think Aldridge will continue his MVP like play, but our guys will do a good job controlling his teammates.

 

LMA vs TJones!

 

Wes Matthews....so hot right now

 

i was watching the trailblazers jazz game with a portland fan - these portland fans think the trailblazers are for REAL!

improvement yes. but i'm not drinking the kool-aid - portland's record is inflated.

 

I hope Matthews doesn't go off on us.

here's to hoping we have an off game