Game 73 Preview: Houston Rockets vs. Miami Heat
by ak2themax on Mar 27, 2011 9:00 AM CDT
in Game Previews
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PrintIt seems like forever since the Rockets had a game. That's because it has been forever. David West is out for New Orleans, but thanks to a lucky shot by Emeka Okafor and Phoenix deciding to pack it up, the Rockets are 3.5 games away from New Orleans. They're still reachable (that schedule is brutal) but the Rockets have to turn their attention back to Memphis now.
Memphis beat Boston (who hasn't these days?) and lost a close one to Derrick Rose and company. They sit 1.5 games ahead of the Rockets, and their next five games are all winnable. Tonight, they play the Tim Duncan-less Spurs, then get Golden State, New Orleans, Minnesota, and the Clippers. Only the Hornets game is away, and you can see that the Grizzlies could win all five of those games.
That doesn't bode well for the Rockets, who have Miami today. Daryl Morey tweeted that a win or loss moves our chances of the playoffs 25% either way. I would like for it to go up, but playing Miami in South Beach will be tough. And no, I'm not going to make some stupid "The Rockets are taking their talents to South Beach" comment. Oh wait, I just did. Crap.
Game starts at 5:00 CST. Early start times usually don't bode well for the good guys.
Other notable games tonight concerning playoff position:
San Antonio at Memphis, New Orleans at LA Lakers, Dallas at Phoenix
Matchups...
PG: Kyle Lowry vs. Mike Bibby:
One of them is playing like a superhero. The other is Kyle Lowry.
I kid.
Advantage: Rockets
SG: Kevin Martin vs. Dwayne Wade:
The last time we played them, D-Wade hit more crazy shots in the fourth quarter than I've ever seen. Double teams, triple teams, hard fouls, no fouls, one hand tied behind his back, kicking the ball into the hoop, using the power of his awesomeness to score...you name it, he did it.
As well as Lowry has been playing, K-Mart has been quietly playing his butt off and scoring in bunches larger than mounds to cocaine at Charlie Sheen's house.
Advantage: Heat
SF: Chase Budinger vs. LeBron James:
Looks like Chase is back, which is good, because he's the only person on the team that can stop LeBron James.
And I need confirmation from you guys (and gals) about something. I don't love LeBron James or anything like that, but he doesn't seem to ever be running. I would describe his "running" more like gliding, especially without the ball. It's like the air just moves past him and he's always about to take off. Look at this, and pay careful attention to him after he crosses midcourt, but before he gets the ball.
LeBron James Slams It Home (Heat Vs Spurs) (via SuperTonyD20)
Love him or hate him, he's still an obsession.
Advantage: Heat
PF: Luis Scola vs. Chris Bosh:
Chris Bosh has kind of turned it around. I now a lot of people would still rather have Luis than Bosh, but it's looking more and more like the Rockets missed out on a chance to get younger. It wasn't their fault. I'm just saying.
And we better get that iPad back from Chris Bosh. Seriously.
Advantage: Even
C: Chuck Hayes vs. Erick Dampier:
Between me and my friends, Dampier is a running joke. Most of my friends are Mavs fans and hated him when he was there. He's terrible, and can't catch. Luckily, all they need him to do is grab a few boards and put back a few misses per game. If only that translated to medicine.
"Yeah, we just need you to look at a patient today. You don't have to do anything, or talk to them, or treat them, or even really look at them. Just pretend to care. Oh, and here's a million dollars. You're irreplaceable."
I want that job.
Chuck will have his hands full. Between LeBron and Wade driving, and Bosh getting past Scola at will, the Chuckwagon will have to be in four places at once. Luckily, this new teleportation technology came just in the nick of time. Man, isn't 3011 wonderful?
Advantage: Rockets
---
Bench:
Heat: Mike Miller, James Jones, Eddie House, Joel Anthony, Jamaal Magloire, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Juwan Howard.
Rockets: Goran Dragic, Courtney Lee, Brad Miller, Patrick Patterson, Jordan Hill
Advantage: Rockets. I love Juwan Howard, but if one more person tells me that "Fab Five" is the best ESPN documentary, I am going to kill them. You have been warned.
Injuries:
Heat: Udonis Haslem out,
Rockets: Yao out, Terrence Williams probably out
Prediction: Close game, but the Rockets lose 115-106
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i smell a blowout
at our expense of course
shop smart, shop S-mart.....YOU GOT THAT!
What's wrong with "The Fab Five?"
It is the best 30 for 30.
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
Once brothers was pretty amazing
I liked the Ricky Williams one too.
I also only recently started watching ball so the Len Bias one was informative.
If you watched
“Once Brothers” you wouldn’t be saying that. Yes, it was cool to see how the Fab Five came together and whatnot, but none of them touched me like Once Brothers did. I’m a guy who never cries or gets really emotional, but the final scene of the film almost had me in tears. That film has stayed with me, whereas I’ve already forgotten most of the finer details in “Fab Five.”
That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy any of the other docs. I did. Just not nearly as much.
How many Biletnikoffs does he have? NOT TWO!
by ak2themax on Mar 27, 2011 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
It not that there's anything wrong with the Fab Five doc.
I grew up playing ball as a kid looking up to them, and loved the doc.
But IMO, the Fab Five doc is overshadowing another real good doc that’s airing on HBO about the UNLV Rebels, who had some striking similarities with regard to their subversive persona within college basketball. Except in UNLV’s case, they actually beat Duke and won the Championship!
So, I just think some people are putting a little too much value on the Fab Five and not attention to the Runnin Rebels doc.
by Nobody is Better Than Jordan on Mar 27, 2011 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah
that UNLV team doesn’t get the credit historically that it deserves. So many good players on that team too. Larry Johnson, Stacy Augmon, Greg Anthony, Elmore Spencer…
How many Biletnikoffs does he have? NOT TWO!
Exactly
When it’s put into historical perspective, I find it hard to buy into the hype of the Fab Five doc as the definitive “bad boys done good” of college ball that they seem to portray it as. The Runnin’ Rebels doc is damn good. The Fab Five doc is accentuated by some of the trends they allegedly started, but it’s hardly the best college basketball doc about young men overcoming odds and breaking through barriers and help redefine college basketball. Because the players of the Rebels were in the same type of controversies, but still actually Beat Duke’s ass and won the whole thing. I mean, that in and of itself is at least a more inspiring story than the heart-breaking loss of the Fab Five.
by Nobody is Better Than Jordan on Mar 27, 2011 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't forget about Portland,
they could easily lose their next 5 and finish 3-7 down the stretch.
Funny how Memphis' ****-up has become Houston's obsession
this game is a biggin
If we beat the three amigos on their floor (even though they are a better road team) that’s a big confidence booster going forward, while if we loose its understandable to say the least.
If s.a beats mem, then our chances at playoff apearances are not quite so bitch-slapped.
The way we are playing, I like our chances. While not good they are about even with any other teams shot at beating em.
This is one we cannot rest on, even up by 20 with 2mins left u could still loose to those three.
However it goes I expect us to play hard and keep it close. If philly and indy can open up leads against em, why can’t we? The trick seems to be maintaining those leads when wade or bron decide to go off and as I said, they actually play much better on the road.
The heat won’t care enough about us to worry about bringing their ‘a’ game in the begining, but we sure as shit will try to bring ours. I’m lookin forward to a competetive 3 quarters followed by a wade exhibition in the 4th.
110-105 heat, sad to say.
"Never underestimate the heart of a champion"- Rudy T, all up in that azz
by ShookednShanghaied11 on Mar 27, 2011 10:09 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I think this is THE game.
We win, I’m certain we will make playoffs. We don’t, we probably won’t. Beating the superfriends for something will be glorious, AND WE WILL WIN DAMMIT
Minnesotan Rockets fan
This is exactly my thought on tonights game
I don’t think we will win though. But if we do, I guarantee that I will run around the house when the game finishes, which is 5 AM local time, and wake everybody the hell up.
by Rockets4LIFE on Mar 27, 2011 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Go Rockets!
and Spurs, Thunder, Lakers, and Mavs!!
Funny how Memphis' ****-up has become Houston's obsession
Chase will dunk on Dampier
And hurt Wade like Battier did.
Me against the world is a mismatch in my favor.
It saddens to me to realize we could basically win out the rest of our games and miss the playoffs.
If you're a fan of basketball, watch a movie called Sonicsgate. It's free, just google it.
Winning this game will be huge
they have confidence now…but if you go into Miami and beat the Heat, I’m sure they’ll feel untouchable. I think I saw somewhere that Morey said winning this game would be a 25% swing in the Rockets chances of making the playoffs. I’ll be cheering my heart out
by twinkilling0303 on Mar 27, 2011 11:20 AM CDT reply actions
I think it was on Morey's Twitter or something.
I remember reading the same thing.
TDS's resident dickhead.
Goran should be good
with more time with the team he should have gotten more of the plays down. hopefullt he’ll contribute more now and id like to see him get a few more mins, that is if lowry isnt in god mode
Dragic got 3 practices in since the last game
I think we will see him step up tonight because or PG position is our only real advantage against them and we gotta exploit it.
by Rockets4LIFE on Mar 27, 2011 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions
this'll be a tough game
i hope our guys aren’t out of rhythm whatwith the 4 day break
click here for: rockets playoff watch!
Yeah I'm worried about the time off
Sunday game, early start, after partying in Miami Saturday night? Well come out flat and fight to get back in it the rest of the game, as usual.
I’m on my phone, anyone know our Sunday record? I’m sure it sucks.
by basketball is cool on Mar 27, 2011 12:38 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Hilarious
it’s funny. When we have b2bs, everyone complains that we have no time off. Then we get time off and everyone gets worried. It’s not like we haven’t been doing anything during the time off. It’s most likely been to get Goran all the way up to speed, and allowed minor injuries to heal. More than that, we’ve been able to prepare for the Miami Heat for four days.
How many Biletnikoffs does he have? NOT TWO!
Hold the presses, the opinion at TDS is wishy washy?
Consider my mindgina completely shredded apart.
I usually get more concerned about long breaks in between games as rust builds up or teams come out lethargic. Rest, it seems, is often less conducive to quality play than a consistent schedule. The issue on injuries is how much does it allow those to actually set in rather than heal?
TDS's resident dickhead.
by BD34 on Mar 27, 2011 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
It depends on the coaches
late in the season, some coaches (JVG is a good example) like to give their players more days off to keep them fresh and hungry. Others like to keep the pressure on and have shootaround and practices every day.
How many Biletnikoffs does he have? NOT TWO!
I guess just in my observations I usually see more lapses when teams get rest than when they play consistently.
Kind of a rhythm and motion thing that sets in. JVG’s style of ball was also extremely conducive to returning good results with study of tape and the like. Adelman’s seems like once the engine is going, you wanna just let it run.
TDS's resident dickhead.
Agreed
I think Rick’s offense is so much more rhythm oriented so constant play and practice is important.
by Patrick Harrel on Mar 27, 2011 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions
You're right
and I’m not going to question how a Hall of Fame coach does his job. I just think that Adelman knows how to use this time efficiently.
How many Biletnikoffs does he have? NOT TWO!
I have to rec shredded mindginas
All right, later dudes. S you in your A’s, don’t wear a C, and J all over your B’s.
by hornedfrogrocket on Mar 27, 2011 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Time to see how far Bud's D has come
If LeBron doesn’t completely shit all over him with 35, 8, and 8, I’ll consider it a success for Bud. Courtney Lee’s going to have to play a lot tonight also. If Wade starts killing K-Mart, we might also want to try to cross-match Lowry on Wade with Martin guarding Bibby.
by Patrick Harrel on Mar 27, 2011 12:56 PM CDT reply actions
The 4 inch height difference is problematic
But Lowry’s the toughest defender other than Hayes that we have. Given Martin’s struggles on D (he has gotten better but still remains a liability), Lowry might be the better option.
by Patrick Harrel on Mar 27, 2011 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions
...
I think toughness and tough D have got to remain separate. I think if Kmart struggles, CLee has to be backup option on Wade
Lowry does both
He’s tough and a tough defender.
by Patrick Harrel on Mar 27, 2011 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions
maybe I'm blind...
I just think he needs to do a better job at fighting through screens at times. Too often he either allows himself to get completely screened off or tries to go for the flop. IMO he needs to get through more of those to be a tough defender, which for a PG, you are going to be screened on 90% of all plays.
Watch Adelman Shock the shit out of everybody
and starts T-Will, who doesn’t score a single point but defensively shuts down Bron.
But seriously, there are 3 key mismatches based on strength and/or length.
Martin < Wade, it’s no surprise, Wade dominates everybody (I’d actually feel better if we brought in Lee to start here)
Bud < Bron, again no surprise, Bron dominates everybody (I’d actually feel better if we brought in 2Pat to start here)
Damp < Hayes, strength may be close but length clearly gives Damp the advantage. But I still want Hayes there, he’s much quicker and should be able to maneuver around Damp pretty easily.
We need to see Scola and 2Pat shut down Bosh. That’s the only player I can see Houston having any real hope of containing.
by Nobody is Better Than Jordan on Mar 27, 2011 1:06 PM CDT reply actions
T-Will didn't travel with the team
Still experiencing post-op complications.
by Patrick Harrel on Mar 27, 2011 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Sounds kind of like T-Mac...
He was a DNP last night in their win because of a “sore back”
Funny how Memphis' ****-up has become Houston's obsession
Wow, your sig is hilarious.
It’s going to be funnier when Thabeet turns into a defensive monster.
Go ahead and say he’s a bust. Like most people on here, you do not have patience. You have to have patience with Thabeet.
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
by bone31crusher on Mar 27, 2011 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions
you mean like when
Steve Francis turns into a superstar
Eddie Griffin turns into a triple double machine
Luthur Head turns into the next 3 pt sharpshooter
You’re right about one thing, it will be funny.
Funny how Memphis' ****-up has become Houston's obsession
by jake_471 on Mar 27, 2011 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Don't hate on Luther!
That dude could’ve been the next superstar on the team if T-Mac hadn’t been here to steal his thunder. Look at his face!
by Patrick Harrel on Mar 27, 2011 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Keep on hating...
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
by bone31crusher on Mar 27, 2011 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions
If you look at his signature, clearly he's one of those folk who think we're title contenders or something.
TDS's resident dickhead.
That's actually far from the truth...
But I do believe that the powerhouses in the West, LA, DAL, and SA will be on the decline in 2 years and that’s when Houston along with OKC have a great chance to move up the ranks for several years to come. I think it’s more of a 2 year plan than a 5 year plan with this franchise and Thabeet is weighing us down. When Memphis traded him to us, it’s like they took a dump on our face and are laughing all the way to the bank. Not only do you fail to see it, you are celebrating and rejoicing the dump. I don’t know how else to say it more clear. When you have a 5 million dollar a year guy who’s a “project” with “potential,” you are the Minnesota Timberwolves. Any hope that this guy is our saviour at the C position is false hope. Acceptance is the first step.
Funny how Memphis' ****-up has become Houston's obsession
You will eat your words
And shit them in a fanpost. All you Thabeet and Williams haters better not get on the bandwagon WHEN they improve and start helping the team.
/commence to arguing
Me against the world is a mismatch in my favor.
could you please come up with a new metaphor
that’s the third time i remember reading the “eat… shit… fanpost” analogy. it was funny the first time, but now you just sound like a broken record.
click here for: rockets playoff watch!
I'm not saying it to be funny
I bet if we agreed on this subject you wouldn’t have even bothered to comment on it.
Me against the world is a mismatch in my favor.
You talk so much shit about it but do you ever stop to consider that Morey wanted Thabeet?
Rebuilding team, project Center with huge upside, this doesn’t add up, to you? Fortunately some of us passed our elementary math classes.
TDS's resident dickhead.
So what if he wanted Thabeet, what's your point??
Go back to the trade deadline day. This deal was on the table the entire day, Morey settled for this one. If you think it’s anything other wise you are mistaken. It wasn’t like he could get Thabeet and a pick and he jumped all over it because he’s that high on Thabeet. The deal went down at the 11th hour and Houston settled for it. If the pick proves to be a Marty Leunen, Eldridge Recasner, or a Reece Gaines, I may consider it salvagable at best. Nevertheless, not one of Morey’s finest days.
Funny how Memphis' ****-up has become Houston's obsession
Do you think Morey would have done the deal if he didn't think it was worth it?
Remember that both sides have to agree with a deal which means both sides like the deal. Sure he may have settled but unless you are Xavier from X-men I don’t think you can read his mind. No GM is going to purposely make a deal that he thinks isn’t going to work.
Like I said above you will eat your words and shit them in a fanpost.
Me against the world is a mismatch in my favor.
Guys I'm not going to go in circles again
but the fact of the matter is that this guy has played 3 years at UConn and is in the second year in the NBA. If he were to play in an NBA game right now, he would be on the wrong side of several posters. Yes, hes’ tall but he’s stationary, his footwork sucks even Carroll Dawson said it. He’s un-coordinated and slow to respond. In college you can just stand under the basket and block/altar every shot. Reaction time and instincts are more important than being 7’3". Some guys just don’t have “it.”
Funny how Memphis' ****-up has become Houston's obsession
I guess guys just don't have the ability t improve any part of their game
Lowry still can’t shoot. Hayes free throws still suck. Bud still can’t play and D. Landry never got a post game. Wesley Mathews is a below average 2 guard. Jason Kidd still can’t shoot. There is no such thing as player development.
Me against the world is a mismatch in my favor.
im a firm beleiver in player
Development, but with this guy all roads lead to the next Shawn bradley. And of all the names you mentioned before, all of them did other things well…. shoot, defend, hustle and that’s why they have gotten/are getting minutes and actually can contribute. The nba isn’t a basketball camp, its not a charity. Either you have it or you don’t.
Funny how Memphis' ****-up has become Houston's obsession
by jake_471 on Mar 28, 2011 3:05 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
By saying "Either you have or you don't"
You also imply that players don’t develop. That is essentially what you are saying. So you can’t be a “firm believer in player development” and then come back and say “Either you have it or you don’t.” You see how you contradict yourself? Pick a side of the fence and stay on it.
Me against the world is a mismatch in my favor.
If you go back and look at all my posts
you will know my stance on the guy. But don’t take my word for it, take Lionel Hollins and Rick Adelman’s word. What was Houston’s most pressing need when he came to the team?? Rebounding, Shot-blocking/altaring, giving up too many points in the paint? This supposedly is his stregnth, and the fact that he can’t beat out a 6’6" guy or old man miller is complete caca. Not just beat them out, but crack the line up. Yes, he may be able to be a decent rebounder one day, but at what cost? 2 years from now after we’ve paid him another 10 million?? Big picture dude! If you think he’s going to become this great big guy in the paint, keep dreaming. You either have it or you dont. DeJuan Blair, DeMarcus Cousins, Derek Favors, these guys fucking have it and made their impact from day one. If you’re a rebuilding team and want to find a player to develop and mold into what you want, that’s fine. Take that risk with a second rounder, an undrafted guy, or someone overseas. Small risk, small cost. If/When you decide to do make a 5 mil/year player a project and the only thing you’ve got is a hope and a dream he pans out to be servicable, somebody made a fuck-up. And this franchise, is reaping it. Franchises who give money to players with “potential” historically go through a shit storm. I’m not just saying that, there’s historical factual data to it. See Minnesota and the Knicks before last summer. How long did it take them to get out of all those contracts? Thank God, in Houston, it’s isolated,and just 1 guy.
Funny how Memphis' ****-up has become Houston's obsession
Like I said to BD,
just stop replying to this guy.
He won’t listen.
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
by bone31crusher on Mar 28, 2011 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions
1+1 = 10
click here for: rockets playoff watch!
by sohum on Mar 28, 2011 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
You speak the truth.
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
by bone31crusher on Mar 28, 2011 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Lebrons is just so big
from the 3 point line 3 steps+a crab dribble to the rim, him at full head of steam probably will be pretty destructive to whoever taking charges. A lot of player just look effortless when they run, because their strides are huge
yeah
but I’ve seen centers run in a klunky sort of way, but no one looks as graceful as that guy. He’s a freak.
How many Biletnikoffs does he have? NOT TWO!
Yeah Thabeet actually belongs to that former category
It just feels like he has a lot of excess movement
Lowry tweeted it isnt the real chuck hayes
@Hayes44 ( is not the real chuck Hayes everyone)
Klow7
by Rockets4LIFE on Mar 27, 2011 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions
tweets by "Mr. Hayes"
@00rocketgirl I would love to study you after the game
@ChrissyBosh Where you been the last 2 years? Im A starter! and i dont get punk’ed on the floor like you
@ChrissyBosh Dont Try No G** Shit When We Play Today.
by Johnny Dimes on Mar 27, 2011 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions
You cant....it will forever be there for our amusement...
"You know how Einstein got bad grades as a kid? Well, mine are
even worse! " ~Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
by TheChuckwagonisrolling on Mar 27, 2011 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions
oh well...
are we allowed to post the “s” word here?
by Johnny Dimes on Mar 27, 2011 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Sparingly.
We all cuss, just don’t go off on a profanity-laden tear and it’s all gravy.
"You know how Einstein got bad grades as a kid? Well, mine are
even worse! " ~Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes
by TheChuckwagonisrolling on Mar 27, 2011 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions
can watch the team shoot around
on nba.com at the moment bud is shooting. he seems abit off only slightly tho might just need to get into the flow looks fine putting pressure on his ankle
Once Brothers was pretty damn good
It was deep, and that’s always fun when it relates to something that we all enjoy.
I still personally like Reggie Miller vs. the Knicks more, but that’s just me.
by basketball is cool on Mar 27, 2011 4:05 PM CDT reply actions
Patrick as a 3
I really wish Patrick would have gotten some time at the 3 last game to see how he did. IF he can play the 3 it gives us more options and a way to get him more time on the floor for PP. Not sure if has the quickness to stay with LeBron but he has the size.
Just hope Heat shoot 40% or less.
and the Movie Space Jam made he cry.
The content of the text above is provided for information purposes only. No claim is made as to the accuracy or authenticity of the content. The troll does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or the use of such information or advice) which is provided in the text above.
haha
well I can’t compete with that. Space Jam is the best basketball documentary ever, following Jordan through the baseball years and Looney Tune land in order to remember that he still needed basketball.
How many Biletnikoffs does he have? NOT TWO!
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