no way Orlando is included in that. It would be another Marquee team Spurs Kings TWolves Mavericks take your pick
Yeah I would have to say Rockets vs. Magic. Its my favorite team vs. my second favorite team. Can't get any better than that.
Actually Yahoo sports has already predicted one of next years big stories; however, it's not likely the most anticipated. I would like to see Grumpy with Pat Riley hair Yahoo Sports: Sneak Peak . . . January 22, 2005: Buy that man a comb Armed with the best inside-out combo in the league (Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming), Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy has stunned doctors, who report that the shiny-pated coach has been regrowing hair. McGrady's versatility and outside scoring have balanced Yao's increasing effectiveness on the inside. That has the young Houston squad on a 55-win pace and apparently has allowed Van Gundy to relax for the first time in his professional life. Doctors say the reduced stress on Van Gundy led to the follicular miracle. As for the coach, he is excited about hairstyle prospects and even says he is considering "a Billy Ray Cyrus thing." . . .
Agreed. I voted for the Rockets-Heat game. As for the Christmas game, I think it's almost certain that it'll be Lakers-Heat game. Let's face it, the Shaq trade is much bigger than the TMac trade. And the Kobe-Shaq drama is much more compelling than the TMac-Franchise thing. Too bad, the Heat can't play 2 teams on the same day. Otherwise, I'm pretty sure they'd put up the LA-Miami and Houston-Miami doubleheader on Christmas day. Anyway, Heat, Lakers, and Rockets will be the TV darlings this year.
I didn't vote, because I couldn't find "Hoisting the championship banner". OK, not really, but I agree with the often posted, "can't wait for the season to start".
Actually, for the past two seasons - the Magic have been the day-time game on Christmas. In 2002 it was Magic vs. Pistons. In 2003, it was Magic vs. Cavs. Houston and Orlando might get the day-time game while Heat vs. LA might get the primetime game.
I voted the Orlando game cause I still got much love for Franchise, Cat and even Cato after playing along side of Yao last season. Cat and SF were erratic but I loved em' in the same way I still got love for Sam I Am. The trade was bittersweet for me personally I'm just glad that Cat and Stevie Franchise are still in the same backcourt and I hope that the offense is built around Francis so he can get OFF. I'll never forget in Francis' rookie season he drove the baseline and actually tried to dunk on David Robinson and Duncan. I'm for the trade because Francis was not a pure PG and his game struggled in JVG's system, but I hope he regains form and DESTROYS the East. I'm down with Stevie n' Cat. Orlando by far is now my favorite team in the east and I'm gonna watch em (NBA League Pass) as much as possible and I hope Francis scores 50 against us in a losing cause in triple OT...yeah...that's the ticket...
I'm looking forward to the first game in which 4 Rockets score 20 points or more. With T-Mac, Yao, Juwan, and JJ, it may actually happen quite often. If they can do it consistently, this will be an awesome team. (btw, I can't remember if it ever happened last season)
Rockets vs Magic! great selection in the poll, but the Magic with Steve, Cat & Cato is compelling. All them ex-Rockets have been very pc about the trade, but we know they'll be bringing it for that game. hopefully Tracy, Juwan & Lue will feel the vibes and match their intensity. Yao vs Steve aint a direct matchup, but I think they respect each other. it'll be interesting to see their game faces.
Houston vs. Phoenix. I want to see Yao dump Amare by the wayside again. Granted, Amare DID have a good game against Yao in Houston but c'mon...29/19/6blocks on 11/16 shooting. I'm starting to hate Phoenix as much as I hated Utah back in the 90s...and that's REAL hatred.
I have this bad feeling Yao will go all soft on Orlando. He should kick their ass. We don't play them that much.
I think Rox v magic will be fun. I hope neither team is coming into them on the 2nd nite of a B2B. Stevie will go for 40. Cat for 25. TMac for 50 and Yao for 25. Rox win both.
You mean the game Amare started out 1-9 then celebrated like he had just won the NBA championship after finally making a dunk?
The Orlando games will be insane. Because Francis is a highly emotional player. In other words, he has THOSE games circled. I think he will be sky high trying to make a statement. Look for trash talk loud enough to hear over the radio. If Francis gets off just watch the stare he will give JVG. I hope he turns it over early and often. We win.
