Sunday is the game of the season. If the Rockets lose it, assuming they beat GS, they will be three games out, BUT ACTUALLY THEY WILL BE FOUR GAMES OUT BECAUSE PHOENIX WOULD HOLD THE TIEBREAKER FOR CONFERENCE RECORD. If the Rockets beat the suns, they get down to one game, and have a chance to take the season series against Phoenix, which would be huge because, season series record is the first tie breaker and the Rockets would have it. Bottom line: Beat Phoenix twice or its gonna be tough to get in Sunday is the game of the season. Remember if they dont beat GS tonight, The Rockets don't deserve the playoffs. ------------------
Rockets 96 Suns89 Francis 30pts 5boards 10assist Mobley 19pts Taylor 22pts 4borads Marion 26pts 11boards Kidd 15pts 8boards 9assist Rogers 12pts 8boards Elie9pts ------------------ President of the Steve Francis, Jamal Crawford,Larry Hughes, and Charles Woodson fan club.
hmmm..a back-to-back...no Hakeem...sketchy play lately...hmmmm...I'll say this: Rockets: 99 Suns:98 Francis - 21 points, 8 assists 6 rebounds Cato - 12 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks Cat - 23 pts Taylor - 18 pts, 5 rebounds KT - 7 rebounds ------------------ "I hate every ape I see - from chimpan-a to chimpanzee. No, you'll never make a monkey out of me." - From the 'Planet of the Apes' musical on the Simpsons
I really wish Dream could return for this game, but he's not so that just makes the game that much tougher. I have a feeling that both teams will come out a little too pumped up and things might start out a little sloppy. Once things settle down and when the Rockets have to get into a rythm, here is what I think will have to happen for us to come away with the huge win: * Shandon must contain Marion on the boards. We all know the Rockets aren't a strong rebounding team, so Marion needs to be kept away from the glass. This could make or break the game for the Rockets. * Mo will really have to step up vs C.Robinson. Delk might give Cuttino some trouble on offense, so we will need another scorer to step up big. * Cato or Rogers will have to step up just like Los did the last 2 games. We need some production from the Center position. It won't be easy, but if we can do these 3 things we should win the game. The key matchup by far is Anderson vs Marion. I'm not big on making predictions, but I'll make an exception for this one: Rockets 94 Suns 91 ------------------
Oh God I hate to say this, but it's just a gut feeling... Rockets 82 Suns 94 I know how much we need this game. I also believe that Phoenix knows how much THEY need this game. In order for us to pull it off, MO AND CUTTINO MUST come out of these apparent funks they've fallen into in the last game or two. Cato needs to actually clog the lane by not just hitting people, by BLOCKING shots. And for God's sake, Rudy, play Carlos!!! What the hell, did he make fun of Bullard or something? Forgive him and move on!! The last two games against the Clips and the Warriors he has been a spark that was DESPERATELY needed. Especially with our lack of size down low with Dream gone, Carlos and his long arms could REALLY help us on the glass and defensively. I don't think it's going to happen, but you KNOW I'm remembering the Rockets in my prayers... ------------------ Jazzkiller
Could this be a keys-to-the-game thread? Rockets-87 Suns- 100 The Rockets needed an easy win tonight to have enough energy to beat the Suns, and they didn't get it. I expect the Rockets to make a huge rally just to get within 13 at the buzzer. The Suns will dominate from start to finish. They have playoff experience, and the Rockets don't. Not with Hakeem on the bench. Of course, I want them to lose so I can be proven right. Go Suns! ------------------ "Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning how to put food on their family while being put to death." -Anti-President Bush
The GS win was ugly, but a win is a win!!! Unless the game is on ESPN classic, nobody is going to remember how ugly the win was!! That Phoenix game will be tough though! ------------------
I think the Rockets will pull out a win. But I dont think we have to win this game. We will still be in the hunt if we lose this game. In other words, I dont think this is a make it or break it game. ------------------
I agree. Where has C-Rodge been the whole season? He's exactly what we need coming in off the bench. He should be coming in before CATO every night. ------------------
