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Rockets/Mavs: The Previews, Breakdowns and Picks Thread

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Yaowaming, Apr 21, 2005.

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  1. Yaowaming

    Yaowaming Contributing Member

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    MSNBC: Houston will win the series against Mavs

    MSNBC: Houston will win the series against Mavs

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7577023/

    SCHEDULE
    Game 1: Houston at Dallas
    Game 2: Houston at Dallas
    Game 3: Dallas at Houston
    Game 4: Dallas at Houston
    Game 5: Houston at Dallas, if necessary
    Game 6: Dallas at Houston, if necessary
    Game 7: Houston at Dallas, if necessary

    OUTLOOK
    These are two of the hottest teams in the NBA.

    The Mavericks are very much like they¡¦ve always been ¡X lots of offense, not much defense. But it seems as if they¡¦ve got more offense than ever, with the additions of Jerry Stackhouse and Keith Van Horn to go along with Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Finley. Erick Dampier helps to hold down the middle. A decent center is not something the Mavs are accustomed to having entering the postseason.

    The Rockets have some nifty offensive tools, led by the incomparable Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. But they also can play defense, and that¡¦s important at this time of year. The Rockets are worried about the health of McGrady, however, as he sat out the team's regular season finale with back spasms.

    The Mavs have more overall talent, but the Rockets have an interesting mix and are more balanced. This should be spirited and fascinating.

    PLAYERS TO WATCH
    MAVERICKS: Erick Dampier
    Owner Mark Cuban paid dearly for Dampier last summer when he went on the free agent market. He has performed about as expected. He¡¦s above average, and he can score and rebound. But can he dominate? Probably not, but he¡¦ll have to come close to that against Yao if the Mavs expect to advance.

    ROCKETS: Tracy McGrady
    Obviously everybody would be watching him anyway, because he¡¦s T-Mac ¡X assuming he's healthy. But remember that the Rockets tore up their franchise to get him. They sent Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley to Orlando to get McGrady and try a new direction. This will be a test to see if the move paid off.

    INTANGIBLES
    MAVERICKS: They were probably way overdue for a head coaching change. Avery Johnson brings some welcome energy and enthusiasm to the Mavs. They seem to be responding well to his tutelage. It may not make enough of a difference if they can¡¦t defend, but they¡¦ll have a fresher approach and a new attitude from the Don Nelson years.


    ROCKETS: Whatever you think of Yao, you probably have to admit he¡¦s still the second-best center behind Shaq. He knows he will be relied upon heavily at this time of year to take the Rockets deep into the playoffs. Whether he¡¦ll handle the pressure of those expectations is anyone¡¦s guess.

    PREDICTION
    This will be a taut and hard-fought affair, likely to last the full seven games. But the pick here is Houston, largely because McGrady is the biggest big-game player in this series.
     
    #1 Yaowaming, Apr 21, 2005
  2. Uprising

    Uprising Member

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    Also, where does it say we will win?

    Also, "Rockets are worried about TMAC's health? " HA! I hope the Mavs buy into this. :p

    EDIT: Nevermind, I see you have now added it to your post.
     
    #2 Uprising, Apr 21, 2005
  3. RocketFire

    RocketFire Member

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    how come every media is praising us now? is it because they hate dallas more than us.
     
    #3 RocketFire, Apr 21, 2005
  4. eric.81

    eric.81 Member

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    First of all, Van Gundy seemed to be very worried about McGrady's health, even stating in the ESPN recap that his "sitting out" wasn't a fake injury to give him rest:

    "McGrady missed the game because of back spasms... 'Right now that is a big concern,' Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said of McGrady's health. 'This wasn't one of those fake sit out the last game things. I can't tell you what will happen.'"

    Second of all, and despite the above insight, we shouldn't put any stock into what MSNBC.com has to say. They've proven time and time again that they are a terrible sports site. I mean, yeah, I think that the Rockets are going to win, but screw MSNBC.com.
     
    #4 eric.81, Apr 21, 2005
  5. WizzyWig

    WizzyWig Member

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    Actually this is the first article predicting the Rockets will win...aside from the one Jeff wrote.
     
    #5 WizzyWig, Apr 21, 2005
  6. funky

    funky Member

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    No, if u look at espn, all the ''experts'' pick dallas over houston, unanimously 4-2
     
    #6 funky, Apr 21, 2005
  7. Yaowaming

    Yaowaming Contributing Member

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    STEVE KERR'S SCORECARD-Mavs have more firepower

    STEVE KERR'S SCORECARD-Mavs have more firepower

    http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/playoffs/houdal

    Backcourt: Rockets
    McGrady is the rare player who can take over a series.

    Frontcourt:Mavs
    Houston has nobody to match up with Nowitzki.

    Bench:Mavs
    Van Horn and Stackhouse provide firepower.

    Coaching:Rockets
    Van Gundy is at his best in the playoffs.

    Intangibles:Rockets
    Many of the Mavs have little postseason experience.


    Bottom Line: Mavericks in 7.

    :confused: :confused:
     
    #7 Yaowaming, Apr 21, 2005
  8. GoatBoy

    GoatBoy Member

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    This just in, Kerr is a douche.
     
    #8 GoatBoy, Apr 21, 2005
  9. GRENDEL

    GRENDEL Member

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    He'll eat those words, Rockets in 6
     
    #9 GRENDEL, Apr 21, 2005
  10. SupermanSK

    SupermanSK Member

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    Kerrs an idiot.
     
    #10 SupermanSK, Apr 21, 2005
  11. Sishir Chang

    Sishir Chang Member

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    No mention of Yao and Mutumbo?
     
    #11 Sishir Chang, Apr 21, 2005
  12. Yaowaming

    Yaowaming Contributing Member

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    and he think kings will beat sonics in six!!!!!
     
    #12 Yaowaming, Apr 21, 2005
  13. Uprising

    Uprising Member

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    ^^WHat he said^^
     
    #13 Uprising, Apr 21, 2005
  14. GRENDEL

    GRENDEL Member

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    Still say Rockets in 6
     
    #14 GRENDEL, Apr 21, 2005
  15. wnes

    wnes Contributing Member

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    Not all contributing writers to MSNBC are morons.

    I enjoy reading Michael Venture's articles, and usually agree what he says.
     
    #15 wnes, Apr 21, 2005
  16. Willis25

    Willis25 Member

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    man that is so last month ... ;)
     
    #16 Willis25, Apr 21, 2005
  17. cson

    cson Member

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    We HAVE to win in 6, I'm throwing a huge party for my wife on May 7th...I don't need it to get all "Fever Pitch"
     
    #17 cson, Apr 21, 2005
  18. cwww

    cwww Member

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    It's gonna be a really tough matchup for us, Dallas has the best record against playoff teams this season...

    Teams record against playoff teams in 2004-05:
    WEST:
    Rank Team (W-L %)
    1. Dallas Mavericks (28-14 .667)
    2. Phoenix Suns (26-15 .634)
    3. San Antonio Spurs (27-16 .628)
    4. Houston Rockets (26-17 .605)
    5. Sacramento Kings (23-19 .548)
    6. Denver Nuggets (22-19 .537)
    7. Seattle Supersonics (22-20 .524)
    8. Memphis Grizzlies (14-28 .333)

    EAST:
    Rank Team (W-L %)
    1. Detroit Pistons (26-16 .619)
    2. Miami Heat (23-18 .561)
    3. Indiana Pacers (19-24 .442)
    4. Philadelphia (17-25 .405)
    5. Chicago Bulls (16-26 .381)
    5. New Jersey Nets (16-26 .381)
    7. Washington Wizards (15-26 .366)
    8. Boston Celtics (15-27 .357)

    By looking at the win-lose records alone, the Dal-Hou matchup has to be the most exciting matchup in the first round... Anyway I still believe in the Rockets!
     
    #18 cwww, Apr 21, 2005
  19. m_cable

    m_cable Member

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    Van Horn is perennial playoff choker. And Stack is a good player, but our bench is filled with guys that know exactly what their role is and performs it perfectly. Padge and MJ have been playing lights out lately, Deke has been an absolute stud the past month, Barry's been steady as always, and continues to provide an infectious unselfishness, and Rybo is just doing his thing, spazzing out on defense and being a pest.

    Our two stars have led us to our most recent victories, but we wouldn't be blowing out teams if our bench and role players weren't playing so well. Let anybody underestimate us. It'll just be that much more satisfying when we prove them wrong.
     
    #19 m_cable, Apr 21, 2005
  20. rockets-#1

    rockets-#1 Member

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    Uh yeah, shut the hell up Steve Kerr. I used to not have a problem with this guy, but I've disliked him ever since I read a stupid column by him before the '04-'05 season started. He was predicting the playoff seeds like we all do before the season starts, and he had the damn j*zz at #4 and the Rockets at #7. True, that Rockets team before the season started was nowhere near as good as it is now (thanks to CD:)), but c'mon(!), placing the Jazz at #4 mainly in part 'cause they got Boozer is overhypin' juuuust a bit. Yes, I know AK47 got hurt and that messed things up for them...just go with me on this! Kerr sucks.
     
    #20 rockets-#1, Apr 21, 2005
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