Sorry for the late preview. I had an exam (my classmate Miles knows what I'm talking about) and it was time-consuming to study for it.
So basically the Rockets are in a one-and-done situation, essentially. Some say that there's no chance, and I'm not disagreeing. I don't disagree often, actually. But statistically, if the Rockets were to pull off a miracle and New Orleans or Memphis were to lose a ton of games, the Rockets could still sneak in. I'm not holding my breath, and I advise you to do the same. You could die due to lack of oxygen. Well, technically, you'll pass out first and start breathing then. But it's not healthy and you'll kill brain cells.
I really want to beat the Spurs. However, they are on a five game losing streak, including a loss to Memphis (Grr!) and Boston last night. I know they have been without Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili for part of that, but I don't care.
Anyway, matchups after the jump.
PG: Kyle Lowry vs. Tony Parker:
Tony Parker has been able to turn it on and off for a long time. It is currently ON. This is not good for us.
Lowry will still give his all, but I don't know if it will be enough.
Advantage: Spurs
SG: Kevin Martin vs. Manu Ginobili:
Manu has that Euro-step down. If we can keep him out of the paint, we can win this.
Easier said than done.
Oh, and Manu being a jerk to AB indirectly landed us Goran Dragic. React accordingly.
Advantage: Spurs
SF: Chase Budinger vs. Richard Jefferson:
I don't care anymore. Jefferson is better. Chase has the ability to go off, but he has to be better for us in the fourth quarter. He disappears during the end of games and that kills us. He's gotta be willing to shoot threes and get the crowd going.
Advantage: Spurs
PF: Luis Scola vs. Tim Duncan:
Duncan is better, especially with how many layups Scola missed last time. In case you're wondering, he missed like 5 in the fourth quarter.
Advantage: Spurs
C: Chuck Hayes vs. Antonio McDyess:
One word describes the key to this matchup: rebounding.
Whoever gets more will win.
Advantage: Even
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Bench:
Spurs: George Hill, Gary Neal, Matt Bonner, DeJuan Blair (someone box him out!), James Anderson, Tiago Splitter, and (for Tom) Steve Novak
Rockets: Goran Dragic, Courtney Lee, Brad Miller, Patrick Patterson, Jordan Hill
Advantage: Spurs
Injuries:
Spurs: (Uncontrollable laughter)
Rockets: Yao out
Prediction: Rockets shock the world (ESPN) and win this one 108-104
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