ClutchFans Game Thread: Thunder @ Rockets 4/27/2013 (Playoffs Round 1, Game 3)

If Lin is back, I wonder if we have Bev in the starting lineup now that Westbrook is out.

 

I think Bev will play. We went small in Game 2 because our PFs have been uneffective. Remember both Lin and Bev started game 2.

 

I live in Vegas. A local radio show talked to some of the people who run the casinos' betting lines and they said Westbrook's presence in the team adds about +4 points. They also said while +4 points might not seen much, this is significant in playoff games when often a margin of victory is one or two buckets.

 

The line on Saturdays game was Houston +3. A 4 point move would make it Houston -1.

 

10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1. Get Ready For Liftoff!

 

I hope we don't start with doubling
Save that for the 4th. Durant can have his plus some and we'll win as long as we keep everyone in check. And don't double off fisher. Dude is a big shot maker

 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>From Bovada, Thunder odds to win championship move from 4/1 to 7/1 with Westbrook injury. (Down 2-0, Rockets' go from 350/1 to 150/1.)</p>&mdash; Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/327920473260294144">April 26, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

Another local Vegas sports guy is blaming Presti for trading Harden because the Thunder, while still a very good team, is now relying on only one superstar because of Westbrook's injury. He then said Harden one any given night can give you 30+ points, more than compensating for Westbrook's absence. Moreover, defenses can now key in on Durant and let the other players beat you.

Rockets fans: feel fortunate we have a superstar. Morey did very well indeed.

 

I just hope and pray nobody feels it's a an automatic win with Westbrook out. That would be the worst.

OKC is plenty capable without Westbrook. But the Rockets could always win with or without Westbrook. It would have been next to impossible with Westbrook, and now without him it's slightly more possible but definitely not a given.

Let's hope The Rockets intensity doesn't let up just because Westbrook is out. There is always a danger of Rockets subconsciously dropping a bit in the intensity department.

Who knows what will happen? I'm hoping the Rockets will end up with a series victory just like I did before Westbrook went down.

 

Ibaka is still a monster, KD is still KD and Reggie Jackson is a solid replacement for WB.

I say we still get swept unless one of Parsons/Lin grows some cojones and goes off.

 

Superstar is one thing....but the key is being healthy. Even if OKC beats Houston, without Westbrook, they will have a very tough time against either Clippers/Grizzlies or whoever comes out of the other side of the west. If Lin can play full speed on Saturday, the lineup of Bev, Lin, Harden, Parsons, and Asik is going to be tough match for OKC. I'm not wishing for injuries to any player...but this is a golden opportunity for Houston.

 

OKC still has Durant and their role players are still better than ours.

 

With the Westbrook injury, this game has become HUGE!

If we can not only win, but dominate, our confidence will rocket! and we could go on and take game 4 and the series is then busted wide open.

The adjustment now is how to defend Durant. I would stick with the zone and let Parsons try to take him one on one to start. If he isn't effective then go double team and lose the zone.

 

Durant is a very willing and capable passer (as evidenced by the Feb game wherein we doubled the crap out of him). Hopefully the Rockets dont take this opportunity for granted and play even harder.

 

I think it's equal or nearly equal now.

Before:
Lin < Westbrook
Harden > Sefolosha
Parsons < Durant
Smith < Ibaka
Asik >= Perkins

Now:
Lin > Jackson
Harden > Selolosha
Parsons < Durant
Smith < Ibaka
ASik >= Perkins

Offensive, Houston is going to be much more explosive. However, Lin and Houston have to deal with Ibaka.....if you don't beat him to the rim it's almost a guaranteed block as his reach is so high.

 

You are right , dealing with Ibaka is going to be key, did we foul him out in that game which we beat the thunder?

 

Defensive match-ups?

PG Jackson - Beverley
SG Sefalosha - Lin
SF Durant - Harden
PF Ibaka - Parsons
C Perkins - Asik

*I'm worried about the Durant - Harden match-up. I prefer Parsons on Durant but Harden cannot guard Ibaka. What do you guys think?

 

He did have foul issues, ending with 5. However, it was mainly because Durant was bricking that night and on the flipside both Lin and Harden were shooting over 50%.Houston was shooting over 45% under/over the arc.

 

Any giveaways at the game tomorrow ?

 

OKC without Westbrook is probably the best giveaway for tomorrow's game....that and maybe a free white or red t-shirt.:grin: