Game 36 Preview: Houston Rockets at Orlando Magic
by ak2themax on Jan 7, 2011 9:00 AM CST
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PrintSorry again for the short preview. Life intervenes. And I'm still depressed about the previous game, which we will no longer mention after right now.
Just a warning, I actually side with Stan van Gundy's recent comments about Dwight Howard learning from Hakeem Olajuwon. I'm sure Dream helped, but there's no way he turned D-How into a super-stud in three hours. The man already has bowling balls stored in his shoulders. It was only a matter of time before he learned how to work in the post. He's terrifying now.
Quick Matchups:
PG: Jameer Nelson vs. Kyle Lowry
Gotta be the little fella. Nelson is really good, and coming around the screens will get him tons of easy shots. Note that Nelson and Gilbert Arenas will not play at the same time. They haven't yet, and SVG isn't going to change a good thing.
SG: Jason Richardson vs. Kevin Martin
It's the battle of the 3-point shooters. I like K-Mart, but I don't like K-Mart's defense. I'll call it even.
SF: Hedo Turkoglu vs. Shane Battier
Turkey Glue vs. our Glue Guy. I like turkey, but not Turkey. Hedo recorded 10/14/10 on Monday, so scary times ahead.
PF: Brandon Bass vs. Luis Scola
I like Scola, but Bass will dunk on him twice. Bet on it.
C: Dwight Howard vs. Thin Air
Dwight could go for 40/20 against us, but he won't because he won't play much in the second half due to a blowout.
Bench Advantage: Should be Rockets
Prognosis: Fatal
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Nice bit of early morning light reading
Pull yourself out of the dumps, man. If this front office is half as good as Rockets fans like to constantly laud there’s no reason to be depressed. Hell, Minnesota fans manage to get excited for their team with little to nothing and Rockets fans are scared the sky is going to fall after a few losses.
I’m in complete agreement with Van Gundy about the Olajuwon workout too, there’s no way that in three hours Dwight was taught a repetoire of offensive moves. No doubt Olajuwon showed him how to get some of those and gave him the drills to rehearse, but he didn’t do all the work.
I don't usually plan out my days because the word "premeditation" gets thrown around a lot in courts today.
I don't think the sky is falling
but this whole season has made me take a hard look at this team. Plain and simple, I love this team. I love scrappy (hate the word, but there it is) players. I love overachievers. And no one on the Rockets causes trouble off the court. They all like each other, too. But that’s not enough.
I’ve been spoiled by Morey. For the last few years, I haven’t paid much attention to trade rumors. Around the trade deadline, I just wait until the following morning when I find out what happened. I just trust Morey so implicitly that no matter what happens, I’m positive he is going to improve the team and still get under the salary cap.
I’ll get over it though.
How many Biletnikoffs does he have? NOT TWO!
I didn't mean to insinuate you think that
just the way this board ebbs and flows shows this odd juxtaposition of “Oh my God! We’re winning! We’re unstoppable!” then two losses later “HOLY SHIT TRADE! FIRE ADELMAN!” Meanwhile we’ll talk up the front office constantly then when a little skid hits people are looking for heads to roll and panic buttons to slap.
You’re one of the stronger ones, my friend. As soon as Yao announced he was down again and our year started off with hard injuries I realized that the young players will need to get much more experience since this year we aren’t a threat, so why not build on what good youth is there? We’ll have to stomach mistakes but so what? If that’s the cost of being relevant in the near future, I’ll take it. Not like we’re winning a title this year or even next year, so why not?
I don't usually plan out my days because the word "premeditation" gets thrown around a lot in courts today.
I understand
and I didn’t take offense or anything. And it’s easy to be an armchair GM. But at the end of the day the Rockets have talent,a great coach, and a sure-thing GM. It doesn’t come along much, but we have it. No NBA team is ever going to be perfect, but we have some gaping holes, and I can understand why some people freak out. It’s just that things aren’t always that easy, and you’ve got a point in that we have to further develop our talent. Are we rebuilding? Maybe, but I think it’s just temporary.
How many Biletnikoffs does he have? NOT TWO!
This game shouldn't be a blowout, neither teams play that much defense. Hedo can't guard himself
by Edwin Rockets-Capron on Jan 7, 2011 9:13 AM CST reply actions
I was at the Portland game; Hill was abused by LMA..
I dread what Dwight would do to him.
Rockets should try to make this into a run/gun offense to have any chance of not having a ‘blowout’ loss.
I might skip watching this game
It was hard enought when Chuck was playing center. But if Hill starts, we will get murdered by at least 15 pts if not more by the end of the game. For sure we will see more TWill in the 4th.
Only chance to keep this game close is the 2nd unit shooting lights out and bringing us back into a single digit defecit. Some one other than Kmart need to step up big time and have a 25 pt game.
I'd rather Hill get minutes and develop now
and take a few lumps, we’re not going to make any noise if we make it to the playoffs, this is what we call building the future.
I don't usually plan out my days because the word "premeditation" gets thrown around a lot in courts today.
Hill is not a Center...
So trying to “develop” him at that position is almost pointless. If anything putting Brad Miller in the starting line up might help the Rockets keep D. Howard out of the paint.
doubtful
brad miller can’t move his feet and the only advantage he provides over hill on defense is height. he can be moved pretty easily.
I meant Brad on offense stepping out to the 3pt line..
…will keep Howard away from the paint on defense. Keeping him from getting as many rebounds and blocks.
You say he's not
I say he’s a damn good blank slate to work with. What makes a center? He’s got height, he’s got athleticism, he’s got some post moves, he’s no shorter than most of your centers in the NBA today. Back up what you say or don’t waste the bandwidth buddy.
I don't usually plan out my days because the word "premeditation" gets thrown around a lot in courts today.
BACK UP BELOW v v v
1.) Most Centers are still at least 7 feet, with a decent group of 6’11" guys. Jordan is 6’10"
2.) He is still out-weighed by at least 20-45 lbs by most centers. Hill is 235lbs
3.) He has only been a PF in his career, never a center. Still learning that position since he only started playing basketball his junior year in H.S. And 2 years in Arizona, now you want him to start all over with center?
4.) The biggest difference from PF and C is on the defensive side. Yes, he can post up on the offensive side and shoot the ball, but on defense, the center has more resposibilities in protecting the lane and the rim, making the correct rotations and so on.
5.) He was projected to turn into a Chris Bosh type of player….and Bosh isnt a center either…… Bosh is 6’10" 235lbs, just like our friend Jordan Hill….
The guy is still really raw, and he doesnt seem like the brightest guy either. Let him finish learning the PF position before putting him against the best centers in the world.
Kicking it Back to the top ^^^
1.) Jordan also has length and some additional wingspan, 2 inches is not a huge discrepancy, ask most women who have been with a guy.
2.) So he has nothing like athleticism? He cannot put on muscle? Jordan is all Jordan will be?
3.) You pick and choose your application. He has shown offensively that he can compete with a decent offensive repetoire that is building. Who is to say he won’t be able to take up center? He’s shown he likes to play defense and is capable of doing so, it’s just a learning exercise for him to get his defensive timing down. More likely than not he can get some time in with Sikma and maybe Olajuwon if he’s lucky and see what he can get.
4.) The responsibilities are different, he’s only a second year pro and I think he could do well. He’s not stuck where he is as a human being or a baller. Your inability to comprehend this makes arguing this point useless.
5.) Grant Hill was projected to be the next Michael Jordan, how did that work out? Or how about Gilbert Arenas showing up low on people’s radar? Michael Redd pre-injury? Rashard Lewis? Luis Scola? Yea, those scouts never miss their calls, do they? Oh wait…
He’s bright, he’s got common issues most bigs do when they’re young in the league and have no experience. I can let you rest assured if someone asked me to perform well in something I haven’t been given much practice in and just started out on, I would show poorly on it.
I don't usually plan out my days because the word "premeditation" gets thrown around a lot in courts today.
If I might toss my 2 cents worth in
I think Hill has the raw material. The question is can he develop it and does he want to put in the work. If he could come back next year pumped up the way Dorsey did his second year, that would help a lot. He gets pushed around a lot now. Some time with Dream would be nice also.
If he is willing to do the work, he could be a great 5 in a get out and run unit. Besides, if he got the body working and kept the hair he would have the predator thing wired. All that said is he a future starter? Not likely but he might surprise and we will need 2-3 centers anyway.
It's time
to try Jeffries at center. If anything to maim and scratch Howard as he dunks lol
by Carlos_HoustonSportsFanatic on Jan 7, 2011 3:01 PM CST up reply actions
Bench advantage should be Rockets?!
Love to hear the logic behind that one.
Said should
not is. I should be 6’7" and super athletic. I’m not.
I don't usually plan out my days because the word "premeditation" gets thrown around a lot in courts today.
it could be close, but it isn't like magic have it locked up either
orlando – malik allen, ryan anderson, gilbert arenas, earl clark, chris duhon, daniel orton, jj redick, quentin richardson, jason williams (i’m guessing the rooks are in d-league/inactive)
rockets – brooks (maybe), budinger, jared jeffries, courtney lee, brad miller, patrick patterson, ish smith, terrence williams
PG: brooks/ish vs. jason williams/duhon: brooks wins this if he’s playing
SG: lee/t-will vs. gilbert/redick: magic probably win this one
SF: budinger vs. quentin: really depends on who goes off—both could and bud has been in form
PF: ppatt vs. anderson: probably magic, but anderson is more a shooter than a paint abuser
C: brad miller vs. malik allen: miller, haven’t been following allen’s season but miller’s per-minute numbers are better
to conclude, it’s pretty close
by sohum on Jan 7, 2011 10:27 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Brooks isn't playing
so the backcourt is for the Magic. The frontcourt I believe should go to the Rockets. 3 vs. 2. But yeah it is close and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Magic bench obliterates us.
How many Biletnikoffs does he have? NOT TWO!
Doesn't matter if Brooks isn't playing
The Magic use an 8 man rotation, comparing their next 5 is useless. Their 3 combined efforts off the bench (Redick, Anderson, Arenas) will beat anything the Rockets can provide off the bench combined. Williams is hurt, Duhon doesn’t play (although he might tonight if it’s a blowout like most seem to think it could turn out to be). Richardson has worked his way into Stan’s doghouse or something, because he went from starting the beginning of the year to DNP-CDs recently, and Clark/Allen only get thrown in when Anderson and Howard are in froul trouble.
To me, Magic win the bench conversation hands down.
is brooks being out official?
i remember feigen tweeting that he was out and then tweeting soon after that that he’s traveling to orlando and will be a game-time decision
I've been a Rockets fan most of my life, but a DHow fan a few years...
I know we all hate talking about trades and possibilities but I would love to see a Brooks/Lowry, Battier/Williams, Scola/Patterson, Howard/Bmills/Hill, and Martin/Lee squad. Everyone else I would pretty much trade off: Budginger, Ish, Jeffries, Yao.
mhmm
Half of the people you named aren’t even in the magics rotation… gill plays the one so thats advantage magic…. JJ gonna bust lee’s @ss so thats another win for the magic… and then hedo, ryan, bass, and howard have our frontcourt. they all rotate between the 3 and four except howard… he and bass switch up mins at the 5.
p-dub is in the rotation with hayes' injury
so he should see good time
Bass is hurt
His sore knee will put him at a bit of a disadvantage.
In fact, I thought his knee was going to keep him out, but I guess he’s trying to tough it out.
If Bass still goes off on the Rockets in the paint while he he’s gimped with a hurt knee, that’s it. I don’t even think I’m going to watch the game.
Sure, Dwight is expected to abuse the Rockets. But a banged up Bass, no way – Houston should manage to minimize his impact on the game.
by Nobody is Better Than Jordan on Jan 7, 2011 2:46 PM CST reply actions
The worst part about this is
We are showcased and ESPN tonite. There is a chance we could get embarassed nationally tonite if they play like they did against the Blazers.
by fanoflosingteams on Jan 7, 2011 3:09 PM CST via mobile reply actions
If there is any bright spot about this game
It’s that we don’t have to listen to Bullard rail against the reffing or laugh at his own jokes all night (particularly the latter, since this is a likely blowout and he’ll be stock piling them). I’m hoping for the Breen/JVG/Jackson trio, that should help ease the pain of getting our skulls pounded in.
If there is any strategy for winning tonight’s game, I’d like to see Rick take away the three point shot, make DH earn his points from the line, and simply make Dwight beat us. That might help keep things slightly competitive for a quarter and half.
"Sometimes the things that make you great, also make you an asshole."
What's with all the pissing and moaning?
Bawwww, we’re going to get our asses kicked. Well, good. For everyone who ever complained about how Rudy Gay became a great scorer and we got Battier, here is our year to actually make up for it all. Rudy Gay is where he is because he was on a team that got knocked around and he saw a lot of time. I WELCOME these games because the score might hurt but who expected a title once we saw how Yao was playing? How the injuries hit us? Let the youngsters go out there, take their licks, and keep coming back for more. It makes a better player at the end of the day.
If I have to watch my boys go out into the public square and get flogged, so be it! I’m still going to be there rooting for them, pulling for them, and acknowledging that at the end of the day, they’re my team and I love them. If a youngster has a breakout game, I’m going to be ecstatic. We can lose by 40 for all I care, I want to see Terrence Williams breaking ankles and dishing out passes that should be assists but because he whips the ball in there with such skill someone in the front row gets their teeth knocked out. McGrady had that ability now we have Williams to do it and he just needs to see the floor.
This game might be like watching a snuff film but who cares? They’re still OUR Rockets. They made an entire season last year to 42-40 and won our hearts, why jump ship now when it can happen again. We beat the f*cking Lakers.
I don't usually plan out my days because the word "premeditation" gets thrown around a lot in courts today.
by BD34 on Jan 7, 2011 4:18 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
Well Said....
For once I can’t argue with you LOL….
by Texas08 on Jan 7, 2011 4:31 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
rec'd
They’re still OUR Rockets. They made an entire season last year to 42-40 and won our hearts, why jump ship now when it can happen again. We beat the f*cking Lakers.
Despite the doom and gloom in my post, this is absolutely true. I mean, let’s face, we’re not a championship contending team, and probably won’t be for a few years to come. But that doesn’t mean I still don’t love and enjoy this team. That doesn’t mean that despite our record and not making the playoffs, last year wasn’t incredibly special. And that doesn’t mean that because of injuries we quite and stop being competitive, when does this team ever stop being competitive? Injuries be damned!
Isn’t that want we love about them? That inspite of being near constant underdogs they continue to over-achieve and play with a lot of heart? I know that’s why I love the Rockets. And even if/when we get our asses kicked tonight, on national TV none the less, we’ll know that it didn’t happen because they gave up. I deal with not being better than another team, it’s going to happen. And I can deal with losing to that team. I can’t deal with not even trying, so it’s a good thing we’re Rockets fans because that will never be a problem. So bring on the Magic, and Go Rockets!
"Sometimes the things that make you great, also make you an asshole."
by ressaliance_00 on Jan 7, 2011 4:52 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Fans struggle to identify with the Rockets
because the Rockets themselves do not have an identity.
It’s that simple, really.
by Nobody is Better Than Jordan on Jan 7, 2011 4:56 PM CST up reply actions
Really?
That seems a bit absurd. When we talk about identity most come from the star player. A Yao Ming, a Kobe Bryant, a Kevin Durant, etc. Thus since we do not have a star player, we don’t have an identity? Is that is? Or we need something to hang our hats on like defense? Is that an identity? Well if it helps any the Rockets are a top 5 offense.
If anything, this Rockets squad fits the city of Houston perfectly. Houston is a city, despite being the 4th largest and the energy capital of the world, that is constantly over looked for the more sexy locations like LA, NYC, Chicago, Miami, fuck, even Dallas. Yet Houstonians pull together and demand respect. We’re not sexy, our weather sucks for about 5 months of the year, and the traffic is horrible. But we still love it here. There’s something about this city that carries with it it’s own kind of quiet dignity.
The Rockets are just like this. Despite their rich history and location in a major city, they don’t get any respect, especially from major news networks (ESPN), they don’t have the glamor of a star player, and frankly they haven’t been very good. But they pull together, they fight for respect, and sometimes they even come out on top.
This is the kind of team, that I can identify with. They’re built around teamwork and and an eff you attitude. Maybe I’m wrong but this seems like the perfect team for all Houstonians to identify with and rally around.
"Sometimes the things that make you great, also make you an asshole."
by ressaliance_00 on Jan 7, 2011 5:09 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
You're just lying to yourself now.
QUOTE: “If anything, this Rockets squad fits the city of Houston perfectly.”
Really? Then why is it we’re always positioning ourselves to be in trade talks?
Look. if you’re going to base this team’s identity on respectability, then I have to know what teams in your eyes aren’t respectable.
by Nobody is Better Than Jordan on Jan 7, 2011 5:21 PM CST up reply actions
I'm not basing this team's identity on respectibility
I’m basing this team’s identity on hard work, overachieving, and never backing down. Something I think Houstonians as a whole can identify with as being Houstonians.
Saying that, I don’t get you’re counter with “Why are we always positioning ourselves in trade talks”. Why the hell wouldn’t we? It’s a business, one that the owner want to see grow stronger and better. The second we don’t is the second we turn into the Clippers. And maybe you misunderstood my point, but I’m not saying because the Rockets suck we can identify with them. Not at all! It’s how they’ve responded through hardship and injuries, both last season and this season. That’s what I respect about them.
And maybe this identity changes. Maybe we get a diva big-name player in the next year or so. Ok then, that’s fine, we can identify with this team some other way. But right now, with this 2010/2011 Rockets team, that is how we identify with them.
"Sometimes the things that make you great, also make you an asshole."
by ressaliance_00 on Jan 7, 2011 5:33 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm recc'ing you two
for getting behind this. Let’s get fired up for our boys.
I don't usually plan out my days because the word "premeditation" gets thrown around a lot in courts today.
Our team might not be every good, but damn it they’re our team! So nobody had better fuck with them.
I say sit back, relax, enjoy watching this team play, and don’t take it for granted. Because I guarantee you, if there is a lockout next season, we’ll be pining for basketball and we won’t even give a shit if we suck, we’ll be watching the team play and sometimes that’s all that matters.
"Sometimes the things that make you great, also make you an asshole."
by ressaliance_00 on Jan 7, 2011 5:18 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed about the lockout influencing current appreciation of the game.
BTW. It’s been suggested the impending lockouts for both the NBA and NFL next season is part of a large conspiracy to ensure protection of elite physical specimens in the event the world is struck by a cataclysmic event in 2012.
Yeah, just saying since we’re on the subject and it’s kind of a cool, if not totally unbelievable theory.
by Nobody is Better Than Jordan on Jan 7, 2011 5:31 PM CST up reply actions
Wow, haven't heard that one yet!
Haha. But personally, I think all that lockout talk is a bunch of bullshit pandering. The NBA and NFL know what’s good for them, if there’s a lockout they’re going to lose a lot of money and a lot of fans. Just look what happened to the MLB back in the mid-90s they have yet to recover. And the NBA has only recently begun to recover from their lockout 10 years ago.
All the people who scream lockout are trying to push an agenda. And they’re starting to look like whining politicians trying to get their own way. But we’ll see, maybe all the lockout talk will happen, but I’m more inclined to think it’s a ploy that’s trying to scare people into agreement.
"Sometimes the things that make you great, also make you an asshole."
by ressaliance_00 on Jan 7, 2011 5:47 PM CST up reply actions
(looks up)
huh. Reading this preview for a sec I thought this was Let’sGiveUpOnOurTeamLikeALameLilTrickShake, but nope. This is actually Dreamshake. Oh well. Go rockets!
I found 83 cents in my backyard after last night's party..I'm not returning it until the owner describes what coins were lost in EXACT change. -Willie White's status
by chuckhayesALLSTAR2010 on Jan 7, 2011 5:35 PM CST reply actions
We're going to embaress ourselves on national tv......shit.
Kevin Martin is so ninja....
I know right.....
hmmmm. Bill and Bull or those other guys?
Where shall I take my viewing this night?
The BANHAMMER delivers the real justice
That's just turrible
The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence
Bill, Bull and Clyde will be taking their talents to South Texas
Is it just me or does the color look much better on FSN?
The BANHAMMER delivers the real justice
That's just turrible
The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence
Bill, Bull and Clyde will be taking their talents to South Texas
the commentary though
I mean Micky Mouse world? come on.
The BANHAMMER delivers the real justice
That's just turrible
The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence
Bill, Bull and Clyde will be taking their talents to South Texas
one thing good about adelman, he shows his trust in his players, jhill starting vs. howard
magic allowing us to score easily early in the 1st qtr
Gamethread is up here
http://www.thedreamshake.com/2011/1/7/1922122/slightly-belated-rockets-magic-gamethread#comments
Sorry for the delay.
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