I can't help but think there will be a let-down after two such monumental wins and had already penciled in a victory for the Queens; but with Miller out, the Rockets continue the roll I really like Berrys's mantra 'welcome to the machine'. Indeed!
Even with Miller out, the Kings will be very tough especially at Arco Arena. A thid straight road win against one of the top teams in the West? Most definately! Rockets pull out a close one. 106-103
You know whom I miss most? Blatz on the clutchfan bbs. The guy posted tons of cool audio links that worked really well. Unfortunately, he lost all the info because of some kind of computer malfunction according to himself. Can someone please pick up the slack? People need audio links for rockets games suck as the one against the kings on sunday. I repeat, can someone please post the audio link for this game?
If Rox can play great D on 2nd half, a win. The defense jobs are gas killer, A team cannot play great D all the time, so leave it to the 2nd half and last Q. As one of my favorite cctv-5 commentor and former CNT star have said:"as a BBall player, I know 3 pts' value are different . Let OP team hit some 3pts in 1st half is not a big deal. It can be made up easily. But in last Q, A easy 3pts may destory ur team's confidence." Rox played great 2nd half D in last two games and I hope they can follow the pattern to win this one. Go Rox. 110 102 rox win.
I tell ya, the Kings not having Brad Miller is key today for the Rockets. In the past Miller has played very well against Yao. Miller was able to draw Yao out of the paint and hit those 15ft jumpers. Skinner wont be able to do that. Defensively Miller is crafty and Skinner is decent but is only 6'9" compared to Miller at 6'11". Yao doesnt have to work as hard defensively and should be MUCH more comfortable offensively. Plus Sacramento doesnt have any of those "quick" PFs that can double down or front Yao. Skinner will probably try to play behind Yao and that is DEFINIATELY to Yao's advantage. He is much more comfortable with that. So things are stacked up in Yao's favor. Yao HAS to continue his good play and take advantage of this favorable situation. When was the last time Houston won in Sacramento? It has been a while. They got to win this game. Then I can see them in USA Today on Monday as the "team of the week"
If Skinner tries to play behind Yao he will be dominated....period. The only chance Skinner has is to adapt Edwardo Najara's method of constantly pushing Yao and fronting him along with a few cheap shots. I would think that Osterfag will get a fair amount of time against Yao because of his size. We could see a hack a Yao strategy against Yao today.
ostertag and skinner are still very good at defending the paint. KT and songaila can score. they aren't too far behind having webber and miller. if yao can get off to a good start and stay out of foul trouble then this will be easy. ROX: 109 kings: 99 GO ROX!!!! KEEP BEATING UP IN INJURED TEAMS!!!
I predict the rockets will have a hard time with the kings on their home court. Don't expect any 40+point quarters this game. The rockets will eke this one out though. Yao (who will have 17 pts, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks) will have a slow game until the fourth quarter where he will put Rockets over the top. Final result: Rockets 95, Kings 93
Rockets WIN. Possible first round playoff match ups start losing sleep and plotting ways to avoid playing the Rockets in the first round.
