I can see this as a game where Glen Rice FINALLY breaks through. The key for Rice will be moving without the ball. Peja is a lazy defender off the ball. If we set him up with some picks and get him open for some 15 ft jumpers, that could go a long way in helping him hit his 3s. What I don't understand is why we only let Rice shoot 3s? It's evident that 3 pt shooters need to get in a rhythm by making layups or closer shots. Seeing the ball go in the hoop is what gets them going. Anyway, if Rice can come close to matching Peja (15 pts or so) I like our chances. Rice cannot afford to be outscored 30 to 7 or something. I think Mobley shouldn't have much problem driving on Christie, but Christie could pose a problem on Mobley's mid-range jumpers. Francis should be able to blow by Bibby with regularity. Willis and Divac are about equal IMO. Pollard and KT are about equal too. I really like the matchup on paper. However, we are much better suited to slowing the tempo, and forcing Sac to play defense in the half court. I do not want to see bad shots taken, which lead to Sac fast breaks. This means that Bibby and Peja will go off. If we're gonna miss a shot, that's fine, just make sure it doesn't ignite a Sac fast break. I really want to see the Rockets attack the basket. Divac would get posterized if he tried to stop Francis or Mobley.
Seems spot-on to me. I expect a lot out of Rice tomorrow as well. If Rice outplays Peja, it's a guaranteed win. And he will dammit!
Peja is much better than a 15ppg scorer. He'll have a field day versus Rice. Divac is still one of the top centers in the league. No way Willis comes close. The Kings are playing great ball, even without Webber. It'll take a lot for the Rockets to beat em, but anything is possible. They did play tonight versus the Lakers, so they may be a little fatigued.
