They weren't to begin with based on where they are as NBA players from training camp and preseason. Morey alluded this morning on 1560 that they will probably see time in the D-League until injuries or quality practice gives them the opportunity for PT. He alluded to no problems with D-Mo offensively. Said defensively, his play is pretty frantic, and he still needs to work on his strength. -I personally think D-Mo will be very, very valuable in a year or two. He just hasn't grown into his body yet strength wise, but his scoring ability, fundamentals, & feel for the game are solid. I almost would prefer him not travel with the team on away games so he can stay on a preferable diet, and workout routine. Carroll Dawson is in Houston 100% of the time as well. The D-League will be good for his game, but it isn't going to be anything for him from a strength standpoint. -Morey didn't even say anything about Royce. Its going to be a rough start to the year for him. Hope he has the right attitude for it.
Morris is going to up his game again tonight! 1st Quarter VS. Detroit 2 Missed layups 1 Missed pass (right through his hands) 1 Step out of bounds 1 shot blocked I'm betting he doubles those numbers.
I have a feeling Parsons is going to have a big game. The Pistons game plan was to shut him down since he was shooting 3s pretty well in preseason. With the defense on Harden and Delfino, Parsons will get plenty of open looks.
-I think DeShaun Stevenson is the player to watch out for tonight. Not because of his offense, but he's going to play a vital role in their defense on Harden. -This isn't a team build up with great rim protectors & perimeter defenders so Atlanta will probably rely on him defensively to help get the job done. -Key to this game though is to control the glass. Keep Horford and Smith away from the basket and this game is very winable. -Harris is going to look to drive and kick alot. Good test for Asik tonight to see if he can completely take that part of their gameplan out. I also look for Patterson to play a vital role on defense tonight in the paint.
We certainly need Parsons to play better to win some games. His efforts were were not good enough in Detroit.
How was the Def bad? On the road @Det and you hold them under a 100. Garbage buckets in the last minute or else Det would have been under 90. Lin/Harden had 8 steals, Asik with some monster blocks too. ATL is not potent Off team. First to 100 wins.
I think the rockets can win this game.. josh smith might be a bit of a matchup problem but the hawks are pretty short on that front line.. asik should have a good night and it will be interesting to see lin vs teague tonight.. Harden will be Harden of course...
Atlanta wants to run this year. Rockets want to run this year. I'm expecting both teams over 100. I just hope the Rockets get back on defense so Asik can be a factor in half court defense.
I think the Rockets will win this. Pat will be back. Parsons should play well against Korver. Douglas can't play any worse than he did last game, so we'll be better at PG... Hopefully, Smith will be ready, but I wouldn't mind seeing what Cole can do.
Winnable game tonight. It'd be nice to see Lin get in a scoring rhythm tonight. Also good point about DeShawn Stevenson. He's going to do whatever it takes to get Harden off his game. Expect a lot of trash talking.
McHale's lack of depth at PG is a big reason for concern tonight. Devin Harris, Lou Williams, and Jeff Teague are all capable of playing the 1 or 2. Lou Williams is coming off a career year in Philly, and will have a Harden-like impact off the bench for Larry Drew. For only being 6'1'', he gets to the line a TON (11 times in his only meeting with Houston last year). Rather than feed Toney to the wolves when Lin's gassed, McHale may counter a small, cat-quick ATL backcourt with size. Roll with Harden as the primary ball carrier, and surround him with Parsons, Delfino, TJ, and Asik. Parsons' length will present a challenge to ATL's undersized 2s, and Houston should have a definite advantage on the other end.
Im ready for this game got some more practice time together lets hope they jell better in this game ! >>>BEARDSANITY!!<<<>>>>EVERYBODY GROW AN INSANE BEARD!!!!!
I am SO TIRED of having to click the 'where can you watch the game thread".......curse you Cable Monsters !!!!!!!
