Game 11 Preview: Sacramento Kings vs. Houston Rockets
by ak2themax on Jan 13, 2012 9:00 AM CST
in Game Previews
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PrintI'll make this part short, since Tom kind of took the words out of my mouth in his post yesterday. The next part of this schedule is the best the Rockets are going to see all year. With fewer games, you have to be able to take advantage of everything that David Stern gives you, even if it's on accident.
While I agree with Tom that we can take 3 losses here, I'm going to say we will have 2. But, the margin for error is already gone. This isn't the 3-10 start from last season, but in a shortened season we're getting close. The Rockets started with a tough schedule, no doubt about it.
But winners have to bounce back. More important than winning as many of these games as possible is developing an identity as a ballclub and grabbing some momentum heading into the next difficult stretch of games.
It all starts tonight in Sacramento, which used to be Rockets West, but now they only have two players who were Rockets at one point. Donte Greene and some guy named Charles Edward Hayes, Jr.
Never heard of the guy.
Tip is at 7:00pm CT.
Update: In addition to tonight celebrating the 1970s Rockets All-Decade team, there will be a video tribute for Chuck Hayes. Jason Friedman alerted me via Twitter. Yeah, I'm kind of a big deal, getting Friedman to talk to me. No biggie.
Matchups after the jump.
Matchups:
PG: Kyle Lowry vs. Tyreke Evans:
In reality, the Kings really use three shooting guards in the lineup with Evans, Jimmer, and Salmons.
Evans still isn't a great shooter, but he's been getting to the line 9 times per game in his last four.
Lowry is better, but not by too much. This is where the Rockets will miss Courtney Lee even more than normal.
Advantage: Rockets
SG: Kevin Martin vs. Jimmer Fredette:
Jimmer tries to remind me of Adam Morrison too much. Nice try, Jimmer, but I actually liked Morrison in college. Plus, he wasn't from Utah.
We'll change it up a little. One of my professors mentioned this exact strip last semester, so we're going with it.
Advantage: Rockets
SF: Chandler Parsons vs. John Salmons:
Rookies aren't really supposed to do what Parsons is doing right now. Between Marcus Morris, Edmond Dantes, and Parsons, who would have thought the Rockets would be relying on major minutes from the guy they look third in last year's draft?
So, Against All Odds, Parsons gets the advantage here.
Though Salmons does have a ballin' profile picture on ESPN. Straight dope. Did I say that right? "Straight dope?"
via a.espncdn.com
Advantage: Rockets
PF: Luis Scola vs. J.J. Hickson:
This whole "rebound by committee" thing is kicking Luis's ass. Of the 9 players who saw time against the Spurs, eight had at least four rebounds. Luis ended with 5, only one more than Chase Budinger, who played for 13 minutes total.
Am I the only one who feels like Hickson has been in the league for like 8 years already? Dude is in his fourth year and it just seems like I've seen him too much already. But he's only 23 and can play 3 positions. He's averaging 7/7 and will be a test for Scola due to his athleticism.
Advantage: Rockets
C: Samuel Dalembert vs. DeMarcus Cousins:
Dalembert plays his protege in this matchup. Okay, not really, but he was in Sacramento last year, so there's that.
Cousins is averaging a ridiculous 16/11 right now, with a couple of blocks thrown in for good measure. He's shooting 43% on the year, so he'll need to improve that. However, he's shooting 54% in January, so maybe he's already mending that issue.
And it pains me that Chuck Hayes will not be playing tonight at the Yote. Since tonight the focus is on the 1970s Rockets, Hayes will not be featured. However, the Kings will return in late March to Houston so there is the possibility that he will be honored at that time.
Advantage: Kings
---
Bench:
Kings: Francisco Garcia, Jason Thompson, Donte Greene, Isaiah Thomas
Rockets: Goran Dragic, Chase Budinger, Jordan Hill, Patrick Patterson
Advantage: Rockets
Injuries:
Kings: Chuck Hayes out, Marcus Thornton questionable
Rockets: Courtney Lee
Prediction: Rockets 110-93
Make sure you get in on TCWHRO (we have to figure out another way to say that)'s fantasy basketball game. Details here. Just make your predictions in the comments, and maybe explain how you came to that conclusion so we have something to talk about.
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With Thornton out I really believe we have a great chance to win this game.
It’s sad that Chuck isn’t playing tonight, but stuff like this happens and he will hopefully be back for the next meeting.
Sort of funny, but depressing how you took out half our bench :( but, maybe they’ll get some garbage minutes in this game if we come out to a big lead late.
Rockets 108 – Kings 99
Dallas and Houston fan making it work. Gig 'em!
Well at the beginning of the season
I had no clue who would get playing time, and then McHale was playing everyone for the first couple of weeks. But since then he’s tightened the rotation to 9, though I do think it will increase to 10 when Courtney Lee comes back. Goran Dragic cannot be your only backup guard, and he’s playing too many minutes right now. A 10-man rotation is reasonable, and gives McHale the flexibility to try different things if we’re having matchup issues.
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
I get where you're coming from, it just depresses me that Williams won't get much of a chance..
I might be too high on Williams though, he has good vision and can find open players better than most people on this team, but he just hasn’t been the factor we wished he would be and he is now benched for it I guess.
Dallas and Houston fan making it work. Gig 'em!
This stretch is critical
If Thabeet, Flynn or T-Will don’t see any playing time by the end of the month, I’d assume the coaches have given up on them and they’ll be cut at the end of the season (Ok, maybe not T-Will).
My prediction: Too much Scola at the 5, Rockets fall asleep, Kings win 99-90
by Carlos_HoustonSportsFanatic on Jan 13, 2012 9:24 AM CST reply actions
Thabeet's development has been really slowed my the lockout and short training camp combined with lack of practice time.
I think McHale is doing the only thing he can considering. Hopefully we get some leads in the next few so he can get more time on the floor’ Flynn is never going to see much time as long as Kyle and Dragic or playing as they are. Williams is a different story. He just needs to make the most of any time he gets.
I think Williams will be fine.
He’s saying all the right things and he’s not pouting. I believe Bud is being showcased and will be moved upon the trade deadline freeing up time for T-Will.
I hate david stern!
I have been a Bud fan but he is expendible.
He is a likely player to throw in on a deal. Great for the price but Parsons, Williams and Morris all look to be better in long term. Hopefully one of them will break out this season.
we didn't start 3-13 last season, did we?
i think we were 3-10, though.
i wanna pick the rockets here. if we lose this game, at home against an inferior team, then i may well just have to go against the rockets the rest of the season because i don’t think we’ll play at least .500 ball.
rockets 102-87 kings
hoping to see cousins in early foul trouble, courtesy of some home-town calls. also hoping kevin martin brushes off his last few games to go up against his former team.
You're probably right
I was too lazy to look it up, and it would have depressed me.
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
Yeah, 3-10
I changed it. Thanks.
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
If my math isn't wrong, our 3-7 record translates to about 4-9 in an 82 game season.
Dallas and Houston fan making it work. Gig 'em!
But a tougher schedule this year than last so far
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
Right, and last year Courtney Lee missed some clutch situation shots that could've moved our record by a couple wins.
Dallas and Houston fan making it work. Gig 'em!
Yup, and we can't manage a close game against a good team this year.
Dallas and Houston fan making it work. Gig 'em!
We went into overtime against the Spurs, a playoff lock. That's the definition of a close game.
The Lakers game was much closer than the score.
No, my point is that close games are a crapshoot. Good teams avoid them.
For instance,
that Spurs game would possibly have been won if Parker had missed that miracle shot in the last minute.
Those sorts of situations come down to luck/will/Act of God — they have little to do with the actual quality of the team.
Saying, “Well, Courtney cold have made some shots in the clutch,” is technically true, but it doesn’t mean much.
We should've taken the 3
Instead of the layup by Scola to tie at the end of regulation… it’s not like we’re gonna beat the Spurs in San Antonio in OT
by Carlos_HoustonSportsFanatic on Jan 13, 2012 11:21 AM CST up reply actions
That's easy looking at it now
But I think we were the team with momentum heading into the overtime.
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
Disagree on Dalembert versus Cousins, Lowry versus Tyreke
Cousins is averaging a ridiculous 16/11 right now, with a couple of blocks thrown in for good measure. He’s shooting 43% on the year, so he’ll need to improve that. However, he’s shooting 54% in January, so maybe he’s already mending that issue.
Cousins has taken a huge step forward this season in that he’s no longer a total liability on offense, but he’s nowhere near an offensive force yet. Right now he’s just not bad. Dalembert can probably handle him.
Lowry is better, but not by too much.
There are only two statistical categories in which Reke is beating Lowry, and that’s turnover percentage and usage rate. Lowry’s TOV% has been discussed before, and the usage rate isn’t enormous (24% vs. 22%).
In every other offensive category, Lowry is beating Tyreke and it’s not even close: 57% vs 52% True Shooting, 50% vs. 45% effective field goal percentage, 42% versus 20% assist rate. Defensively, Lowry’s rebounding is ridiculously better, and defensive rate stats show them as comparable.
And, at least, on the eye test, I’d say Lowry is playing better.
So, no, I don’t think it’s particularly close.
But isn't Isaiah Thomas
playing most of the minutes at the point? How does he compare to Lowry? (I’m being lazy)
by Carlos_HoustonSportsFanatic on Jan 13, 2012 11:24 AM CST up reply actions
Oh nvm, I was just looking at their last game
by Carlos_HoustonSportsFanatic on Jan 13, 2012 11:27 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah he played really well against Toronto
But he’s definitely a bench player for them.
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
Tyreke has more total points though
Hey, im just talking stats man.
Did you know Eric Berry was asexually produced by Chuck Norris?
by darwithabar on Jan 13, 2012 1:29 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Hey man Tyreke has played more games too
Lowry is more injury-prone than Evans this season. Don’t hate the truth, bro.
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
Rockets 108- 94
We must beat these teams. Hope we can put them away early and get some much needed playing time for Thabeet, Williams and Flynn. I agree with the shorter rotation. Williams is the odd man out because he has shown improvement but you can only play so many players and develop consistancy. Lack of practice time is just making it even harder. McHale has done a fairly good job of finishing training camp during the season. The last 3 games have been a lot better though we still lost 2 of them. We can not keep losing or it really does not matter.
Rockets to win
Kings seem to really have use at all spots bar PG but ill go with a win for the rockets 90 – 96
Kings win 105-99
Ugh
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
No offense
But I hope you are wrong again. (:
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
I hope I'm wrong again too.
I want nothing more than a successful Rockets team.
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
Things to look for:
-Cousins dominates but still gets in foul trouble.
-Scola and Martin have great games on offense.
-Parsons plays like a lottery pick against their weak perimeter players.
-Tyreke will play well in the 4th.
-Patterson will have a breakout game.
I hate david stern!
Just remembered I'm going to miss this game because of my own..
SHIT.
Dallas and Houston fan making it work. Gig 'em!
You need some of this...
I hate david stern!
by batman713 on Jan 13, 2012 4:43 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I just don't see who's going to stop Cousins, other than Cousins.
He could drop 30 and 15 on us tonight.
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
I predict: Houston 97 – Kings 88…
.
I had to stop arguing with drunks, Steeler fans, and all other fools.
It was making my brick wall jealous...
.
Dedicated to the "Pride of the Steelers"
.
The Rockets are pulling out the Ketchup and Mustard unis tonight.
Also, next year we are introducing the old blue pinstripes as our “throwback”. http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2012/01/back-in-ketchup-and-mustard-tonight-rockets-will-bring-back-something-much-much-worse-noooooooo/
I know the general thought is that those uniforms were awful, but I kind of like them.
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
101-89 Rockets
Damn ! Chuck’d not coming home :(
by RiiseRockets on Jan 13, 2012 5:06 PM CST via mobile reply actions
He is coming!
Was too far to huck a beer at a Stro’s player as per bone’s request. Jess (girlfriend) said I was too far, I said challenge accepted, a security guard said guess again.-BD34
That is the reason I don't go to Battle Red Blog. I would be too rational and guys would flag my posts as spam.-batman713
So sad to think of Chuck...miss ya buddy.
Now as far as the scores go, we have a new leader! Congrats to Rockets4LIFE for taking the new top spot. Also, I’m doing a small bonus round. Tomorrow and tomorrow only, if you name the “Rocket killer” (player who scores the most against us) on the Blazers, you shall get 10 extra points! I’ll try to get this across to everyone. Good luck!
Rockets4LIFE-197
.Bonzo-196
OJ ATM-187
ak2themax-178
sohum-173
RiiseRockets-168
twinkilling0303-162
Carlos_HoustonSportsFanatic-161
jake_471-159
BD34-152
craigj007-148
BuckeyeBob-142
dech-139
Dmo_Htx-135
bone31crusher-135
galicae-132
Rocketsfanforbasketballreasons88-122
Irish Trasher-122
Camouflage14-119
jbars-117
Rockets7-117
steeler-hater-116
johnsmith-114
TWCIR-111
Mike Kerns-110
MeLioRate-110
Mellowman-110
AIDe2356-110
tunatango-110
VBG-104
mitmil22-103
ShookednShanghaied11-102
Slackary-98
btrizzle25-96
AllenOU-96
makinmajik-96
Bighaircut-96
TiEaB-96
Mannan Ali-96
Valiant1-96
chuckiepoo-96
Nike86-96
f22a4bandit-96
Texas08-96
arnold p-94
Christopher Dion Harris-92
olivarezq1-92
Rockets78-92
Xiane-92
taylorrohrman-92
lucneguye92-92
"I’m not dumb. I just have a command of thoroughly useless information." Bill Watterson~Calvin and Hobbes
by The Chuckwagon has rolled on on Jan 13, 2012 5:11 PM CST reply actions
And my prediction is 112-100 Houston.
"I’m not dumb. I just have a command of thoroughly useless information." Bill Watterson~Calvin and Hobbes
by The Chuckwagon has rolled on on Jan 13, 2012 5:11 PM CST up reply actions
NO!
This is a travesty!
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
Also I'd like to re-do my prediction.
I’ve got Houston winning 112-107. Mainly because I just scored some cheap tickets thanks to this very blog and the Rockets play a lot better when I’m in attendance.
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
Kick ass....
"I’m not dumb. I just have a command of thoroughly useless information." Bill Watterson~Calvin and Hobbes
by The Chuckwagon has rolled on on Jan 13, 2012 5:53 PM CST up reply actions
thanks man! appreciate all the effort
If I ever find my way to Houston, drinks on me
"I always keep a ball in the car. You never know."
-Hakeem Olajuwon
"Stern Sucks"
-Me
by Rockets4LIFE on Jan 13, 2012 7:36 PM CST up reply actions
I'd take you up on that. But I live in Nebraska.... me and all the corn
"I’m not dumb. I just have a command of thoroughly useless information." Bill Watterson~Calvin and Hobbes
by The Chuckwagon has rolled on on Jan 13, 2012 8:30 PM CST up reply actions
Well same goes if I go to Nebraska
Theres some pretty good hunting there too!
"I always keep a ball in the car. You never know."
-Hakeem Olajuwon
"Stern Sucks"
-Me
by Rockets4LIFE on Jan 14, 2012 2:22 AM CST up reply actions
I want too see TWill play
Even i know our lineup is locked to 9 players
I think we win this game
Mainly because we’re healthier and have more efficient players. I think Cousins has a good game tonight, but Scola will chip in his usual offense, and out of Lowry, Martin, Parsons, PPat, and Hill, at least 2 of them will have great scoring nights.
my blindfolded prediction
Houston 119 Sacramento 97
I thought Lowry would have a triple-double last game, he didn’t have one, i gave him a call and he said he would make it up for me tonight!
Taking care of business tonight
We’ll give up plenty in the paint, but still Scola and Martin will be bullseye tonight.
Rockets 105-94
I havent seen any of the game yet, im going to get on game pass now, I hope this counts, I think the game started 30 minutes ago
I was at a family dinner, I say the Rockets win 104-94.
"I always keep a ball in the car. You never know."
-Hakeem Olajuwon
"Stern Sucks"
-Me
I think I can trust you, good sir.
"I’m not dumb. I just have a command of thoroughly useless information." Bill Watterson~Calvin and Hobbes
by The Chuckwagon has rolled on on Jan 13, 2012 8:29 PM CST up reply actions
thanks
"I always keep a ball in the car. You never know."
-Hakeem Olajuwon
"Stern Sucks"
-Me
by Rockets4LIFE on Jan 14, 2012 2:22 AM CST up reply actions
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