In the words of A-Train: Loss Loss Loss Loss Loss Loss Loss Loss Loss maybe a little negativity will negate the JINX, that all of you who suggest 6 of 8, or 8 of next 9 we'll win, that's now been put on the Rockets. If you negate negativity, is that a double negative? My post is intended to be positive.
Two back-to-backs on the road. Tough. Beating Dallas at home, Yes. I see 5:3. If we can overcome the Lakers and the Suns, we are in.
Problem is that we have Eddie G guarding Amare. Eddie is not physical enough to keep up with Amare and he will put Yao in difficult situations due to gambling on steals etc. Amare will get 22/12 and Eddie will get 5 pts, 6 rebs, 2/7 shooting, one 3 pter and a block.
I was just thinking, the Lakers and Suns game could be more crucial then just fighting for a playoff spot because of the trade deadline. Suppose the Rockets fall out of the playoff picture, they'll probably be less likely to make a big trade ala Elton Brand because they're playoff hopes will be meek. But if they do win in Phoenix and/or L.A, theres more hope that they will make a big trade before the deadline because of them being kept in the playoff race. Granted even if the Rockets do lose and fall a game or two back out of the 8 seed, that's still not much ground to pick up on, but this team doesn't fit the persona of a comeback team. They tend to be a team on the decline. They're first 10 games they were actually a number 3 seeded team. And they've been losing seeds ever since, and not gaining back to a 7 or 6 seed even if it is just for a game or two to have that temporary seed.
One thing I noticed during the postgame interview with Steve Francis last night (prphrs): "BILL: Well, Stevie, there's a tough schedule coming up. Miami on Valentine's Day, then those three big games in a row with the Lakers, Suns, and Mavericks." finalsbound glances at the tv, waiting for a "yeah, that's gonna be tough, Lakers and Suns back-to-back." but instead... STEVIE: Well, we can't look past Miami. We've had trouble with them this year. We just can't look past them." :sniff, sniff: First the 1.0 TO average the past two games, then this. Now that's what I call "getting it."
Why is everyone so sure we can beat Dallas when they have beat the Tar out of us the last time. Some teams we just don't match up well with and Dallas is one of them.
They cannot stop Yao Ming, hence we have a good chance. Remember, Yao said he'd take revenge on Lafrentz. That win is ours. Dallas is ooking horrible, and our inside game looks like gold against these guys. As long as Mobley and Posey play solid D, that game is ours.
rockets SHOULD win them all, problem is if they can. people are very encouraged after we won jazz with 30 points, but i still keep the reality in my mind
You are absolutely right that Yao can't stop Shaq, but did you watch Shaq-Yao I? Yao got his shots off whenever he wanted to and there isn't anything Shaq can do to stop it. I think Yao will actually score a lot more on the rematch. Whether or not he can hold Shaq to 30 points is the key to Rox victory.
The Clippers players want to stay together. In a recent article Brand mentioned this and trying to convince the owner to spend on a new player or two. I suppose they think they could be genuine championship contenders with one or more quality players bought to the team.
Ain't gonna happen. Clips got the worst owner in the entire league. There is no way he will keep everyone on this Clips team. That requires spending money. Unless Brand and company will take much less money to re-sign, I see a house cleaning at the end of this season for the Clips.
My takes: 14 Fri Miami W 18 Tue @ L.A. Lakers L 19 Wed @ Phoenix W 21 Fri Dallas W 22 Sat Memphis W 24 Mon @ Boston L 25 Tue @ New York W 27 Thu @ Washington L
