Game 23 Preview: Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets
by ak2themax on Feb 3, 2012 8:00 AM CST
in Game Previews
Email
PrintThe Rockets have played 12 home games this season. They have 12 wins.
The Rockets have played 10 road games this season. They have 10 losses.
Sense a pattern?
Home court is always important, but this year more than normal. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: getting home games early in the season is really important, and probably better than getting a ton of them late in the season.
Also, the Jazz have played 14 games at home and only 6 (SIX!!!) on the road. And they are only a game ahead of the Rockets. Only Oklahoma City and Denver have winning records on the road in the West, and it's no coincidence that those are the two best teams in the West, along with the Clippers, who are squaring off with the Nuggets as I write this.
So it's imperative that the Rockets figure out a way to play well on the road. Right now, it looks like OKC, Denver, and maybe the Clips will have above-.500 records on the road. The scramble for the other teams will be to get to around .500. I firmly believe that at the end of the year we'll know who the best teams in the West are based on their final road records.
Oh, and the Rockets start a six-game road trip after tonight's game. So no time like the present to get started on some road ass-whooping.
Man, no one wants to write a preview apparently. Anyway, as several of you noted, Robert Horry holds the record for most threes in a game for the Rockets with 9. In 1996 we play the Cleveland Cavaliers and he went 9-12 from behind the line, and 9-12 from the field in total. He finished with 27 points. At the time, he was tied for second for the NBA record for most threes in a single game. With the Rockets up by plenty of points late in the game, Sam Cassell brought the ball down the court to take the rest of the time off the clock. Not wanting to rub the result in, he dribbled across the timeline and held the ball.
Horry wanted that record though.
He set up on the right wing and yelled for the ball, and when the bench yelled at Sam to pass the ball, he did. Horry threw up what could have been his tenth three of the night. He drained it. However, it had left his hands a split second too late, and nine was his final tally. A couple of months later, Dennis Scott of the Orlando Magic hit 11 threes in a game, taking him into first and vaulting over Brian Shaw's record of 10 from 1993. Since then, Donyell Marshall and Kobe Bryant have hit 12 three pointers in a single game.
So tonight's "trivia" will have a definite winner. Here goes: who will lead the Rockets in +/- tonight, and what will the number be. The number is the tiebreaker, since 10 people could pick the right person. If two people pick the same number or are equally far away, I'll give one of you Saturday's preview and one of you Monday's. Cool?
Matchups after the jump:
Matchups:
PG: Kyle Lowry vs. Steve Nash:
Lowry looked in control in the second half against the Spurs. At times, he looked really comfortable again. At other times, he looked like the Lowry we've been seeing for the past few weeks. I don't like the latter Lowry as much as the former. Maybe the battery case being sorted out will help him?
Steve Nash is 38 and playing like he's 28. He leads the league in assists and shoots a whopping 55% from the field. Yeah, he's kind of good.
NBA TNT Nash Stoudemire Commercial (via PointNinja)
Also, who's going to keep the official "Steve Nash high five" count with me tonight?
Over/under is set at 34.5.
Advantage: Suns
SG: Kevin Martin vs. Jared Dudley:
Maybe K-Mart should have had his birthday party after the second half instead of at halftime.
Dudley has been killing teams I love since ever since his Boston College team kicked my Raiders out of the NCAA tourney in 2007. So, I'm not a huge fan, but I respect his game. In college he was more of a big man, but as he's transitioned to the NBA he's become a full-fledged wing.
Advantage: Rockets
SF: Chandler Parsons vs. Grant Hill:
Hill is questionable for this game, but I'm leaving him here because I don't know what the plan is otherwise. He injured his knee against the Hornets two nights ago and didn't return after the injury. I think a lot of people admire Hill for all the adversity he's overcome in his career and the longevity he's been able to exhibit.
Meanwhile, we haven't been treated to a tip dunk in a while now.
Advantage: Suns
PF: Luis Scola vs. Channing Frye:
As is the common theme here, Scola should be better than Frye, but with the way Scola is playing no one knows. Over his last two games he's shooting abysmally (27%) and has eight turnovers. Not to mention his defense still doesn't exist.
Frye will probably get more open looks tonight than he's had since...the last time he played the Rockets.
Advantage: Suns
C: Samuel Dalembert vs. Marcin Gortat:
Who leads the Western Conference in field goal percentage? Gortat!
Who's the man who leads the Western Conference in double-doubles? Gortat!
Who's the man the ladies love the most? The Polish Hammer!
No wonder Morey wanted him so badly.
And there's this tidbit, from Randy Hill of FS Arizona:
Instead of having most of his offense generated through the roll portion of ball-screen action with Steve Nash, Gortat has improved his one-on-one firepower in the post. A considerable portion of this upgrade has been traced to his week of offseason study with Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon in Houston.
DAMMIT HAKEEM! If I didn't owe you most of my childhood joy, I would hate you for helping out so many opposing players. Why do you have to be so nice?
Advantage: Suns
---
Bench/Role Players:
Suns: Sebastian Telfair, Shannon Brown, Josh Childress, Markieff Morris, Hakim Warrick, Ronnie Price, Robin Lopez
Rockets: Goran Dragic, Chase Budinger, Patrick Patterson, Jordan Hill, Courtney Lee
Advantage: Suns
Injuries/Inactives:
Suns: Grant Hill questionable
Rockets: None
Prediction: Suns 110-103
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.
74 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
You are correct sir
Thanks for the catch. It will be fixed.
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
Kevin Martin
+18
Rockets win 112 – 102
We need some production out of SF/PF though
When is Marcus Morris getting called up?
I want to see him play already.
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
Don't trade Courtney Lee!
He was cleared to practice (and did so) yesterday, apparently.
Gersson Rosas (the Rockets’ VP of Player Development) has indicated that Morris will probably go back down to the d-league for a while. A few weeks ago, the Chronicle was saying they’d call him up as soon as he got back from his ankle injury, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.
Supposedly...
They want him to get into game shape and get some practices in and don’t think the 13 or so day road trip will do it.
by Dmo_Htx on Feb 3, 2012 2:47 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
houston wins
102-101, speed racer has a +21 rating
Very easy to pull off
One of the many reasons why plus-minus statistics (even the advanced, adjusted varieties) are highly dubious.
And why something that fluid
Is best used for guessing games.
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
You could be a great player on a truly terrible team and have miserable +/-
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
I think they're still in flux
Gentry is still tinkering with his lineups, so “bench” is relative with these guys. But, don’t forget how well Warrick did against us last year. I’m not a huge fan of their bench or anything, but I think in general the Suns are a bad matchup for the Rockets and that includes the bench.
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
Hakim Warrick may have kill us
But I know some Suns fans and they still consider as one of the worst player in the League.
They also consider Telfair, Brown, Childress and Lopez disapointing.
by RiiseRockets on Feb 3, 2012 12:54 PM CST up reply actions
I wouldn’t say Warrick is anywhere near the worst player in the NBA, but he does have some serious holes in his game…
…Bingo
They also consider Telfair, Brown, Childress and Lopez disapointing.
Yeah
No way Warrick is the worst. Not by a long shot.
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
Amazing on the fast break
The whole bench really started out the season poorly, but have recently picked it up. Dragic has been a main part of that. I think he just needs to be a little more aggressive. But he certainly hasn’t been bad by any means. Oh, and some will point to his increase in turnovers, but that’s been a team problem for a while now, so it’s hard to single him out there.
But the thing that most fans will probably complain about with Dragic is that his three point shot isn’t falling like it was last year. That’s partially unfair, considering he shot 52% from out there after the trade. Keeping up that kind of shooting was unlikely. This year, he’s been hanging out just below 30%, which is disappointing and I know it was a problem for him last year while he was in Phoenix as well.
Oh, and I wanted to ask: I know Aaron Brooks wasn’t great for you guys last year, but have Ronnie Price and Bassy Telfair been an upgrade there or has it been like treading water with the second team?
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
personally
I really like Price he plays balls to the wall and is athletic, Bassy has been iffy at best, I just don’t see his ceiling as being very high. Brooks was less then spectacular last year but we still could really use his offense around now. reading the comments it sounds like the Rockets are going through some of the same issues the Suns are. namely guys whose outside shooting was money last year have been consistently clanking of late.
I hope dragic figures it out (just not tonight). I have a bad feeling he’s going to go off tonight, it seems to be the theme for us lately.
Houston 101 Suns 97
I think this is the start of some better road play.
there's no way
The suns win this. Games like this are have to haves if we want to make the playoffs 102-93, Houston (Lowry starts continues his improved play and Kmart has 30+)
by Christopher Dion Harris on Feb 3, 2012 9:52 AM CST via iPhone app reply actions
Did you know...
against the Suns K-Mart averages 38% shooting (2nd worst) and averages only 13.9 points per game against them (career worst)? And he’s played them 20 times! For some reason K-Mart has trouble with the Suns, so saying he can get 30 would really go against the grain here.
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
Not sure about this one
but the Rockets need this one, so I’ll stick with them. Rockets win 109-105
by twinkilling0303 on Feb 3, 2012 10:11 AM CST reply actions
even tho
we lost the Spurs game i liked how we came out w defensive intensity to dtart the game and Lowry seeme dto be comming out of his slump, makes me confident theres good things to come in these upcomming road games…momentum starts tonite!
Rockets 105 -100
Lowry +10
i now im late to the game but watev
"i was born without ya baby but my feelings were a little bit too strong, just a little bit too strong" THE WARNING, BLACK SABBATH
Rockets need this one badly
I can see Nash carving around performing his orchestra per usual. D steps up tonight on everyone else, though, and I think…
Rockets win 110 – 99
Parsons with the energy +17
dont think suns would ever do that
by Dmo_Htx on Feb 3, 2012 1:28 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
If Scola is playing the way you described
then he’s playing just like Frye lately…I’d be happy for a push on that one.
I'm heading to the game tonight.
That means a win for the Rockets, as they are 7-0 with me in the stands this season. 107-100 Rockets pick up the dub.
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
Don't trade Courtney Lee!
by .Bonzo on Feb 3, 2012 1:32 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Also, Courtney Lee with +11
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
Don't trade Courtney Lee!
Still stuck in Virginia..
Rockets 104- Suns 97
Dallas and Houston fan making it work. Gig 'em!
by OJ ATM on Feb 3, 2012 1:42 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Rockets win 102-94
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
Houston wins a high scoring 113- 107 game
+15 Martin
"I always keep a ball in the car. You never know."
-Hakeem Olajuwon
"Stern Sucks"
-Me
Expanding on this...
Martin started off very slowly this year, but his numbers have bounced back towards normal. He’s actually shooting normally from the floor this year (.511 eFG versus .507 career).
His true shooting still doesn’t look great (lack of free throws to improve it hurts), so his efficiency is down, but offense is down across the league this year (which was the case in the last shortened season, as well). When you take that into account, he looks like he’s having a pretty standard Kevin Martin year. He seems to be playing better defense this year, but, again, offense league-wide is down…
I know I read some writer suggesting that he should get one of the bench spots for the ASG. Good argument to be made that he’s the second-best shooting guard in the West right now (other possibilities: Wes Matthews, the media will suggest Monta Ellis even though he doesn’t come anywhere close, and Jason Terry; other guys are candidates, I’m sure, but I can’t think of any right now).
Kevin Martin really deserves an all-star nod.
Look at the shooting guards in the West behind Kobe…Too bad his spot will go to some point guard that isn’t Kyle Lowry.
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
Don't trade Courtney Lee!
Tough to argue with you there buddy
K-Mart has torn it up since the refs finally starting calling fouls for him 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
Rockets will lose :(
I seen nash playing the other nite he was killing lowry/dragic need to stay wit him itll be close either way i reckon rocket 101 – suns 108 and PPAT + 6 (coz he wont play much but will do well on the floor)
Rockets 108 - Suns 92
We’ll see if my predictions are still a curse. I stopped because it seemed they were.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Two things -
One – why start Chandler on Hill? I’d rather give Hill something to do and run Budinger.
Two – on Hakeem’s teaching. Based on the videos I’ve seen it’s a funny thing. Hakeem tells guys stuff they’ve probably heard a million times. But because he’s HAKEEM THE DREAM, rather than some coach or other, they take it totally to heart and improve by doing what they should have been doing all along. There’s no secret sauce, just a series of post moves, perfectly executed, even now.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
That's basically what SVG said last year
And I think he was right.
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
My streak of picking the opposite of what we really do was broken.
I shall start a new one. Rockets in a close one 100-98.
I hate david stern!
Hou 103 - Phx 92
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.
good to see you back
"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 Feb 3, 2012 5:11 PM CST up reply actions
Another day, another game. And another one game special for tomorow!
I love Kevin Love, as you know. I predict Kevin Love to outrebound Dalembert, Hill, & Scola. Disagree? Agree? Tomorow only, you can risk five points if you include a prediction on this matter in particular. You predict right, you get 10 points, wrong, and you lose 5. If you don’t agree or disagree in your comment, nothing will happen. Good luck!
Rockets4LIFE-314
OJ ATM-295
.Bonzo-288
RiiseRockets-276
ak2themax-276
twinkilling0303-269
sohum-265
jake_471-242
BD34-241
Dmo_Htx-238
Irish Trasher-225
dech-221
TWCIR-219
BuckeyeBob-216
Carlos_HoustonSportsFanatic-215
bone31crusher-208
Camouflage14-207
btrizzle25-204
steeler-hater-194
arnold p-185
jbars-184
galicae-181
VBG-177
ehburrus-172
Rockets7-170
craigj007-163
Christopher Dion Harris-160
AIDe2356-141
Slackary-140
f22a4bandit-134
TheLastDynasty-133
Texas08-128
AhForJustOneTime-125
Rocketsfanforbasketballreasons88-122
mitmil22-119
Vambram-117
A.J.G.-115
johnsmith-114
Mike Kerns-110
MeLioRate-110
Mellowman-110
tunatango-110
Fuller-110
mob16151-110
76_Raptors-110
taylorrohrman-107
olivarezq1-107
RedRowdy420-106
chuckiepoo-106
batman713-102
Bighaircut-102
Rockets78-102
ShookednShanghaied11-98
AllenOU-96
makinmajik-96
Stupendous Man-96
HTown80-96
Mannan Ali-96
Valiant1-96
Nike86-96
lucneguye92-92
TiEaB-92
Xiane-88
"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 Feb 3, 2012 4:57 PM CST reply actions
Still number 6
I really need help picking the scores.
by twinkilling0303 on Feb 3, 2012 4:58 PM CST up reply actions
I predict Rockets 103-100
"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 Feb 3, 2012 4:59 PM CST up reply actions
I just realized
ak2themax picked the Suns…so if the Rockets win, I move to 5th place. Let’s Go Rockets!!!
by twinkilling0303 on Feb 3, 2012 5:17 PM CST up reply actions
If Pek plays a lot of minutes he will take o bounds away from Love.
Just something to know.
A void? I see no void!
Im cool with that. It's just entirely fun. Idc if it actually happens. Just fun to say
"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 Feb 3, 2012 6:47 PM CST up reply actions
rox 105 suns 99
Go Rockets!
"Our players knew we were going to win so kinda let up on defense." Kevin Mchale
"Screw Stern!" Me
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
NBA Playoffs Content Module
Related FanPosts on The Dream Shake
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Shaquille O’Neal is in a Chinese beer commercial, too (VIDEO)
- ‘Deep Thoughts’ and Cheap Thoughts: San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- C-a-C: This is probably as close to LeBron James working with John Waters as we’ll ever get
- Dwyane Wade’s hot pink pants: The kind of thing you can get away with when you drop 41
- Lamar Odom to New York? Dwight Howard on the move? For now, it’s all talk
