ClutchFans Game Thread: Pistons @ Rockets 12/12/2007

If McGrady and Alston sit out, it is going to get real ugly for the Rockets. Pistons are 5-0 on the second game of a back-to-back.

Won at Orlando by 24 points
Beat the Clippers by 24 points
Won at Golden State
Beat New Jersey by 23 points
Won at New Orleans by 15 points

Unless Yao has an amazing performance, this game should be tallied as a loss.

 

Have a bad feeling about this game.
Pistons 105
Rockets 78

 

From NBA.COM

The Detroit Pistons' best run this season has included several dominant offensive performances. Scoring, meanwhile, has been the Houston Rockets' biggest problem, and Tracy McGrady's absence certainly won't help.

Winners of four straight on the road, the Pistons look to continue their surge Wednesday night as they face a struggling Rockets team that could be without its top scorer.

Central Division-leading Detroit (15-6) has won seven of eight, averaging 106.8 points per game during that span. Each of the Pistons' last seven wins have been by double-digits, and they're 10-0 when scoring at least 100.

Houston (11-11), meanwhile, has lost 10 of 15 after a 6-1 start and could be without the oft-injured McGrady, who sprained his right ankle in the second half of a 100-88 loss to Philadelphia on Monday night.

Yes, I agree with the bad feeling about this one. We have the personnel to beat these guys but unless they get it together I'm afraid it's gonna be another L.

 

Tmac said in his interview on 790 that he would play wednesday for sure. Why are people saying that he won't play!?

 

More news about the Pistons

Top 5 Combination +12 Detroit Pistons Lenovo Stat - Number one in the NBA

 

Another one goes in the L column. I can't see this team respond well to adversity. I mean after the loss to Raptors you'd expect them to tighten up the slack but they got worse.
Meanwhile Pistons just has too many high % shooter and athleticism compare to Rockets. RA said it: we don't have same players as the old Sac. that can consistently knock down open jumpers or slash inside. Shoot, we can't even make lay-up on consistent basis. Sad, but it's time to put up or ship out for some of these players like MJ, Battier, Luther, even Scola for a 3rd option because they not contributing. Frankly I don't see them ever play better because they can improve or don't care. BTW MJ is worthless in this team. Morey made a bad move.

 

Our new identity is official: CHARMIN SOFT

 

I'll be wearing my tmac jersey tonight with toilet paper stapled to it................as bad as this sound I hope we do bad so it will force management to think about trading tracy.....a winning streak is just fools gold....................I'm thinking about the long term success of this team...............................without tracy.

 

I don't think you need to worry about a winning streak; have you looked at the upcoming schedule? Buckle Up, fans, rocky road ahead. Somebody is going to emerge as the leader of this team or not. Not likely to be the coach. I hope Les and Morey are tuned in to this situation, because despite some of the delusional optimists at this site, the season may well be over by the end of January. The issues facing this team go far beyond "learning a new system."

 

I hate saying this, because we are too good to be in this position over and over again all season, but I'll say it again. I can't wait to see how our team reacts after another tumultuous stretch of bad play.

No predictions here. How the hell can you predict anything this team does from quarter to quarter, much less game to game? I hope these guys take pride for at least one night and show up on national TV.

 

I hope we win, but honestly I just want to see this team play with some heart. Is that too much to ask?

 

It depends upon which Rocket's team shows up. Detroit has a good team and has the ability to put a real whooping on the Rox. Maybe a fear of humilitation will force the Rox to play inspired bball. If they play well the Rox certainly can beat Detroit. If the head case Rockets show up, it could be a long night.

 

I agree that Adelman is keeping Battier in the lineup because Battier is a coachable, team-first defensive specialist with numerous intangibles and high basketball intelligence. That probably won't change but I wouldn't rule it out.

I don't think he is keeping Hayes in the lineup because he is reliable or because of his intangibles. Scola is already only averaging 1 mpg less than Hayes and Bonzi is averaging more minutes than both players.

There is a different reason for the lack of necessary changes. NBA coaches respect other NBA coaches because they share an understanding of the challenges associated with the job.

As Adelman stated early in the season, the main reason that he has gone this long without any major tweaks to the starting lineup is that he highly regards Jeff Van Gundy's coaching abilities. He did not want to come in and instantly tinker with a lineup that was successful last season.

Adelman will make the necessary changes at some point though because, like you said, this starting lineup HAS to change in order for the team to be successful playing his way. There needs to be more well-rounded offensive players (scorers and passers) on the court at the same time if we ever want to really see an Adelman-style offense at its best.

That means Alston, Hayes and even possibly Battier may not be in the starting lineup by the second half of the season.

 

If TMac doesn't play, the L is almost certain. Even if he does, I think it'll be an L but I'm hoping for better of course. Its looking like another 6 game losing streak

Toronto L
Philadelphia L
============
Detriot L
Dallas L
Orlando L
Denver L
Chicago W
Detroit L
Memphis W
Toronto L
Golden State L
Boston L
Orlando L

 

Tonight's game will be on ESPN.

Hopefully Yao's anger from the last two losses can motivate him to make a difference in this game.

 

are rafer and tmac playing tonight?

 

anyone looking for last minute tickets to the game.. I just got this link in my email for 12 dollar tickets.

http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n35009s1256c1441535t1252o2078

I don't know if its a restricted link so it may not work forever.

 

Are the Rockets so desperate for fans than they are practically giving the tickets away? I know the Nets had a $299 seasons ticket for the past few years because nobody watches them. Maybe the lack of effort and poor performance is starting to cost the Rockets at the box office ....

 

At least we and the WORLD can see the SWEET uniforms that the LEGENDARY ROCKETS WORE!!!

 

Some of the most exciting sports moments of my entire life, sort of the opposite of what I am experiencing now.