http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/turnersports/news/2003/02/04/conf_call/ Johnson on the Rockets’ chances of making the playoffs: Are they good enough, yes, we don’t know if they’re going to make it, it’s a dogfight now that the Lakers are playing better, for everybody. The second half, especially in the west, is going to get heated up but I love the way they’re playing. The more they utilize Yao Ming the better the team becomes. Steve Francis has been playing unbelievable, but they have to find an answer at the power forward. But I like their team, I like the way they’re playing, but at crucial times Yao is going to have to set the table for everybody else. I do feel they’re going to make it. Albert: The major test is how Yao Ming holds up with this long schedule, the longest of his life ... 82 games at a very high level, that’s the unknown. Johnson: “And the pressure that comes with that. Everybody is talking to you ... physically and mentally will he hold up under a lot of pressure? He’s going to have to make some adjustments in his game because defenses are going to adjust to him. Barkley: That loud noise you hear is Shaquille O’Neal and the Lakers, and it’s going to get louder. It’s going down to last the last two weeks of the season ... you can tell they’re playing well because they just blew Phoenix, Sacramento and Utah out ...
