In what has become part of a familiar pattern , just as the Rockets are expected to get a starter back, another likely will go out. Ron Artest could be back to play Tuesday against the Nuggets, but Rafer Alston strained his left hamstring Saturday and said he doubted he would be able to play Tuesday. He is day-to-day. “I strained it,” Alston said. “I felt it pull, felt like a twinge. It wasn’t like the pull before the playoffs last year. I’m not worried, but I might be forced to let it heal, let it rest. I don’t think I’ll make it Tuesday. I don’t know how long I’ll have to let it rest. I don’t know that yet, and that’s the concern. But I know it’s not as bad as last time. We’ll see how it goes, how it responds to rest and treatment.” When Shane Battier came back after missing the season’s first 15 games, Tracy McGrady went out. When McGrady came back, Artest went out. T-Mac’s knee OK Though Tracy McGrady’s production fell off dramatically from his first game back from a seven-game absence to treat his sore left knee, he said the knee was not to blame. McGrady had 24 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists Friday, slipping to 19 points, five rebounds and three assists Saturday when he made just five of 17 shots. “I felt good,” McGrady said. “My legs were a little tired, but for the most part, I felt like I did (Friday) night. ” McGrady played 35 minutes Friday, 33 on Saturday while working to rebuild stamina. “I thought he was a little bit tired, but it was only his second game back,” Rockets coach Rick Adelman said. “His legs were probably not there, but that’s to be expected.” http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/6164811.html At least he won't be out 2 weeks like he thought. Good news.
For all his faults, Rafer is a trooper. I wouldn't be surprised to see him back, at least in limited action, by Friday.
Wow it is kinda unbelivable. Several weeks ago we would have been happy he is out. And statments like 'We are going to miss his 3pt shooting' would have been the dumbest in the world... but yes, we are gonna miss him.
Not me, I always respected his game just wish he would stop the pull up jumpers but he's not as bad as some people make him out to be.
The thing that I respect the most about Rafer is that he is a fighter. He has to face much better PG's most of the time but he doesn't quit. That says quite a lot about his character. He has his faults but there is no doubt that he will be missed. I hope he recovers quickly.
You know how I know we live in a sick twisted world... Yao goes out: threads pop up; "Are Rockets better without Yao?" McGrady goes out: threads pop up; "Are Rockets better without McGrady?" Artest goes out: threads pop up; "Are Rockets better without Artest?" Alston goes out, and its sure fire doom n gloom.
I think the team is cursed. I was actually looking forward to seeing the full compliment of players all together against Denver minus Barry, but looks like will have to wait abit longer. Or maybe it never happens.
THE INJURY DISEASE HAS SPEAD ONCE AGAIN. SERIOUSLY THIS EFFIN SUCKS. WE CANT HAVE A HEALTHY TEAM TO SAVE OUR LIVES. LORD PLZ DONT LET THIS CONTAGIOUS DISEASE SPREAD THROUGH THIS TEAM ANYMORE.WE NEED EVERYBODY TO BE FIT AND HEALTHY AND SEE FRANCIS PLAY SO WE CAN GET OUT OF THE FIRST ROUND. AMEN......
As best as I can determine, the Rockets have more injuries than any other team in the league. This is just based on news reports so it may not be totally accurate. The Rockets level of injuries is statistically improbable, not likely the result of chance. There has to be logical reasons for this, I don't buy the "curse" theory. Are the Rockets poorly conditioned?
I find it funny that Rick Adleman said Tmac won't play extended minutes but played him around 35 minutes anyway the past two games. No wonder he was tired and started sucking the latter of half of the 2nd game. The dude's out of shape. The good news is Tmac should get better with each passing day, and I'd rather have a fit Tmac and no Rafer than an out of shape Tmac with Rafer. On topic: I hope Rafer gets well soon. For all his faults when he has his head straight Rafer is indispensable to our team, whether he is hitting his shots or not.
I dont think most folks will miss his low percentage 3 point shooting, forced jumpers that never seem to fall and his constantly botched layups. I sure wont.
It's the R.A. rule. Artest back, Alston out. When Alston comes back, Adelman has to take 2 weeks off to rest his larynx. Then Ray Allen's out for a month. After that, Ryan Anderson.
I'm happy Rafer is injured. Although, thinking back to last years Playoffs, I was really happy also that Rafer would be missing the first two games of that series, and look how that turned out. Whats the status with Steve Francis? I've been trying to keep up with his status and am eagerly waiting his return! Man, its been nearly a year since I've been waiting for him to return to his all-star form!!! I know thats a distant (or r****ded) illusion...still, I just wanna see SF on the court! look at this for a starting lineup: Steve Francis Tracy McGrady Shane Battier Ron Artest Yao Ming just wish Rudy Gay was there instead of Shane...lol...
