http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&page=ScheduleHighlights-080806 Oct. 30: Houston at Dallas (TNT) The Mavericks are one of two teams (along with Charlotte) that must wait until Thursday for their opening game, giving Mavs fans more time to fret that the Rockets' acquisition of Ron Artest reduces Dallas to the third-best team in Texas. Nov. 4: Boston at Houston You don't have to wait long for a look at the NBA's reigning threesome of doom (Garnett, Pierce and Allen) throwing down against the new trio on the block (McGrady, Yao and Artest). Nov. 6: Houston at Portland (TNT) Yao Ming and Oden go toe-to-toe for the first time. Health permitting, of course. Nov. 9: Houston at L.A. Lakers The denizens of Lakerland who so badly wanted to see Artest in purple and gold will get their first dose of torture early. In L.A.'s first Sunday home game of the season, actually. Feb. 17: New Jersey at Houston Yi vs. Yao, Round 2. April 1: Houston at Phoenix (ESPN) No joke: Yao and Shaq are hooking up on April Fools' Day. April 9: Houston at Sacramento If the reality of the Artest trade hasn't sunk in yet for the Kings' loyal subjects, it certainly will by the time Artest finally makes it back to Arco Arena, which won't happen until the 78th game on Sacramento's schedule.
What's all the hype over Houston v. Sactown? I understand that Artest is coming back etc. etc., but the Rockets.com article also states: Conspiracy!
Oden is no hyped up. Sure he is athletic and fast, but does he have any offensive skills. Can't wait till Yao eats him alive.
Only people in China really care about the Yao vs Yi thing. I'm getting tired of this matchup being hyped in America. I respect the event as a big thing in China. But seriously! The majority doesn't really care in America.
Um, the Artest trade didn't make the Rockets better than the Mavs. That happened when the Mavs traded for Kidd, or probably even before.
same thing with the Superbowl as well . The only global sporting event final that people seem to care about is the World Cup of football and perhaps the NBA finals.
I can't believe that the two games that I bolded are not on national tv, they will be huge games that would attract national viewership. Whoever overlooked putting these on national tv needs to be fired out of the marketing department.
He's saying that because of the Artest trade. Since, he's not allowed to say anything about it until it's official, he was being somewhat sarcastic.
Seems like not that long ago when Shaq was the best big man in the league and Yao Ming was the future. Now Yao's the best and Shaq is the quickly fading past.
I am most looking forward to the Mavs game. I have lived in Dallas since 91 (due to work) and have been to a lot of Dallas vs. Houston games...and I have yet to see Houston come out the winner. I will be at that game on Oct 30 and will be wearing my Rockets colors...I cant wait to kick same Dallas Mavericks A**!
reduces? I'm sorry. Did I miss Dallas's miracle run late last season after the Kidd trade that catapulted Dallas ahead of the Rockets?
