Game 27 Preview: Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns
by ak2themax on Feb 9, 2012 8:02 AM CST
in Game Previews
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PrintI like when the Rockets win games that they were not favored to win. I especially love it when we win games that the referees were blatantly trying to take away from us. And I love that our bench proves how great they can be.
I do not like when Kyle Lowry gets injured. I do not like it one bit. Especially when he was coming back alive.
I like when Luis Scola hits jumpers and attacks the basket on cuts and fast breaks.
I do not like when Luis Scola tries to dribble, pass, or "create."
We could keep doing this, but we've got another game tonight. Goran Dragic returns to Phoenix to take down the team that traded him. It's just like Air Bud, except if the ballhog kid who transferred was a good guy. And the team with the dog lost. Oddly enough, this analogy isn't working.
Let's just get to the matchups before I embarrass myself any more than normal.
One last thing though: five teams in the West have 11 losses. One more has 12, two have 13, and two have 14. The difference between fourth and thirteenth in the West is five games. Yeah, at least 12 teams in the West still have at least marginal playoff hopes. I wish the Rockets were in the East. I wish this a lot.
Extra random facts about the Suns: since the defeat in Houston, they are 3-0 with road wins over Atlanta and Milwaukee. Since the game against the Rockets, Michael Redd has played 20+ minutes in each game. Hakim Warrick did not play in any of those three games, and Shannon Brown didn't see any time in the road wins.
Seems like Gentry has found a lineup he likes. Kinda.
And remember, tip is at 8pm CST.
Matchups:
PG: Goran Dragic vs. Steve Nash:
Corndog gets the start with Lowry almost certainly out.
But more importantly, we may get to see Jonny "Don't call me Kevin or Sam" Flynn. Yay!
Can Flynn survive the Grid game? We'll find out, right now.
TRON: LEGACY Official Trailer (via DisneyMovieTrailers)
Advantage: Suns
SG: Kevin Martin vs. Jared Dudley:
Jared Dudley can shoot.
Apparently Kevin Martin cannot right now. It's a slump, and he'll get over it, but right now he's doing more bad than good while he's on the floor, which is a line he's always toeing since he doesn't play defense very well.
Advantage: Suns
SF: Chandler Parsons vs. Grant Hill:
Parsons is looking more and more confident as he gets more playing time. He's looking for his shot and still playing great defense. If only we could combine him and Chase into a super-being it would be awesome.
Advantage: Suns
PF: Luis Scola vs. Channing Frye:
Scola needs to stop thinking and start doing. If that happens, he can have a field day. That is all.
Advantage: Rockets
C: Samuel Dalembert vs. Marcin Gortat:
Dalembert needs to wake up. Hopefully this video of bench reactions from his alma mater will get him pumped.
Awesome Seton Hall Bench Reactions (via ESPN)
Advantage: Suns
---
Bench/Role Players:
Suns: Sebastian Telfair, Josh Childress, Markieff Morris, Ronnie Price, Robin Lopez, Michael Redd
Rockets: Chase Budinger, Patrick Patterson, Jordan Hill, Courtney Lee, Jonny Flynn
Advantage: Rockets
Injuries/Inactives:
Suns: None
Rockets: Lowry probably out
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.
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Your Worst Matchups ever....
Suns dominate 5 of the 6 categories but the Rockets beat the crap out of them last time??? Also, Dragic for sure will have a good game, its his former team, and its NBA Law that he does.
I think starters have a great game this time around since they got plenty of rest last night.
Rockets win 102-98
I'd at least
Give Houston the bench match up. Our bench has been killing it lately (Bud would be the 6th man of the month, if that existed)
by Christopher Dion Harris on Feb 9, 2012 9:04 AM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Oh!
That was a mistake. I meant to give us the bench matchup guys. Sorry. Changed.
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
Would you say
That Gortat wasn’t better than Dalembert last time? Or that Nash doesn’t have the advantage over Dragic? Those two are easy picks or me.
As for Hill and Dudley being better than Parsons and K-Mart, respectively, I think the Hill matchup is close to even but I give Hill the edge there, and K-Mart has to get out of his slump before I give him an advantage over a shooter who is more consistent.
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, in general, the Suns starters are just a little bit better than the Rockets.
The difference is, Luis Scola is way better than Channing Frye, and the Rockets bench is waaaaaaaay better than the Suns.
Disagree
Kevin Martin destroys Jared Dudley. I don’t care if he’s playing well or not.
by VBG on Feb 9, 2012 9:51 AM CST up reply actions
Kevin Martin has been absolutely terrible lately.
Look at last night.
Dallas and Houston fan making it work. Gig 'em!
He didn't make shots
But he still made the right passes and played solid defense.
"and played solid defense."
What? Where are you getting this from?
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
by bone31crusher on Feb 9, 2012 12:19 PM CST up reply actions
Wes Matthews didn't do anything when Kevin Martin was on the Floor
That’s where I’m getting it from
Wes Matthews really didnt do anything period yesterday
Portland guards played like crap last night
Martin didnt have any confidence after his airball last night, passing on shots he always take, forcing some passes on the way
He really just didnt play much yesterday for a leading scorer
Matthews was barely given the ball last night.
Besides, its Martin’s team defense that is god awful. Was really poor last night.
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
by bone31crusher on Feb 9, 2012 3:05 PM CST up reply actions
Its not like Martins letting his man drop 30 every night.
Can he improve on d? Yes, but id say he’s a hell of a lot better on d than last season when he was letting his man drop 30 every night. To me, it seems like people are basing all of this off the past.
by Dmo_Htx on Feb 9, 2012 12:41 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
We played the Suns two games ago...
Jeez, people just WANT to hate Kevin Martin.
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
Don't trade Courtney Lee!
Leave Kevin Martin Alone!
Maireann croí éadrom i bhfad.
by BD34 on Feb 9, 2012 4:34 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
People ignore evidence that doesn't fit the narrative they want to construct.
Great deal of variance in individuals’ performances from game to game. True of everyone — the performances just fluctuate around different means. Made worse this season because the games are coming so quickly, so a run of a few games seems like a bigger deal than it is.
Martin kicked ass through the last three weeks of January or so. A run of three down games? Neither surprising nor a big deal.
This is true
Although Kevin Martin is much better than Jared Dudley.
We’ve replaced Warrick and Brown with Chill and Redd. Our bench has been playing better since. Still, our backup PG spot is really weak. Telfair or Price? Neither guy is good enough to knock the other out for that spot. It’s a stalemate between them two. If we had Brooks, things would be better.
Don't trade Dudley!
man, what was wrong with Zabian Dowdell
I thought he was pretty good as a back up last season, certainly better than Price
by NVP on Feb 9, 2012 4:38 PM CST up reply actions
Kid had such a good story to him.
I read about it in SI I think.
Dallas and Houston fan making it work. Gig 'em!
People being harsh on KMart
Shooting slumps happen. At least he doesn’t force shots and hurt the team. He moves the ball well and hasn’t had too many turnovers.
My prediction for yesterday was solid but I was wrong on Kevin Martin scoring 30.
Rockets 107 - Suns 98
Kevin Martin scores 25+.
Gonna keep decreasing my Kevin Martin scoring predictions until he actually does it.
As long as we limit turnovers, we should win this game.
Rockets 105 - Suns 93
I’m assuming Lowry won’t play (he shouldn’t), but if we can do to Nash what we did to them last time, it doesn’t matter how many points Gortat scores, we’re gonna win. Dragic is a good defensive player who know’s Nash’s game by virtue of being his former teammate, and hopefully he’ll spend most of the game on the court and not have Flynn spend a lot of time guarding Nash.
Also, their bench is simply awful. Markieff and a bunch of really awful players.
I dont know
Redd has been returning to form, that PHX staff really should be the rehab facility of the league. Josh Childress should be so much better than he is, but as a bench player he contributes
Suns 113- Rockets 104
A blowout that ends in a garbage time score of the above. Scola has a off day. Kevin continues to slump. Gortat gets a double double.
A void? I see no void!
Rockets 100-97
Martin has 26pts in the first half.
by RiiseRockets on Feb 9, 2012 10:09 AM CST via mobile reply actions
the zone
Any one else notice the improvement of the defense as we’ve used the zone more? It’s helping compensate for dalembert’s bad few games.
by Christopher Dion Harris on Feb 9, 2012 10:20 AM CST via iPhone app reply actions
the rockets are just so damn stubborn
big brawl in the fourth quarter and 4 players get ejected. Suns rape rockets119-93.
I hate david stern!
I love this
Minus the rape of course.
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
That's the feeling most have
about the movie Sudden Impact with Clint Eastwood
by twinkilling0303 on Feb 9, 2012 11:34 AM CST up reply actions
Suns 104-96
This season the Rockets need to sink or swim. Instead, they are just floating. This is the product of an indecisive GM.
Who will wear uniform
Greg Smith or Hasheem Thabeet?
I’m almost certain Flynn wont get minutes, Lee handling the ball much more likely
Marcus Morris is back from D-League?
Of not, they’re both getting dressed.
by RiiseRockets on Feb 9, 2012 10:47 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
You think?
If Twill and Flynn both dresses, there’d only be one more spot on the active 12
Cant be tongiht though
no time for him to even get to phx
I have no idea about this one
since it’s a coin flip, I’ll take the Rockets to win 97-93. Thanks for putting the tip off time, I would’ve missed an hour of it
by twinkilling0303 on Feb 9, 2012 10:52 AM CST reply actions
Morey on twitter
says Lowry might go tonight. He also said that Monte is going to come over next year, makes it sound like it’s a sure thing.
by twinkilling0303 on Feb 9, 2012 11:39 AM CST reply actions
McHale called him Monte
instead of trying to pronounce his name
by twinkilling0303 on Feb 9, 2012 11:46 AM CST up reply actions
I think
or maybe I just made that up. It’s gonna take me a while to get his name down. Donatas Motiejunas
by twinkilling0303 on Feb 9, 2012 11:51 AM CST up reply actions
I think McHale was
calling him “D-Mo” instead of trying to pronounce his name.
Good News for D-Mo
I was a little worried he would not come.
Also admit the JLin mistake.
by RiiseRockets on Feb 9, 2012 11:45 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Basically he said that Lin mania would never happen here
And that there was no way to predict It.
But he admit he would have keep it if he know he would be so good.
by RiiseRockets on Feb 9, 2012 11:52 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I wanted to keep Lin instead of Flynn as 3rd point guard but understand why we went with Flynn because he already had a guarenteed contract.
Everybody needs to understand the WHY. I mean its for a 3rd PG.
A couple of teams made that "mistake"
and I don’t think the Knicks knew this was coming either, they just kind of lucked into it happening.
by twinkilling0303 on Feb 9, 2012 11:48 AM CST up reply actions
3 great games against the 30th, 21st, 25th defenses.
And the highest-ranked one (Utah) has a terrible defensive PG (Harris).
People ready to declare him a savior need to calm down a bit. I (and Xiane, too) have been saying he’s the best guard on that team since he got picked up, and I think he can be a good player, but he’s not a superstar.
Agreed
he’s kind of like the Tebow of the NBA, without the religious aspect.
by twinkilling0303 on Feb 9, 2012 11:55 AM CST up reply actions
Nope.
Tebow has two QB skills that he’s actually good at (he doesn’t turn the ball over, rushing to a lesser extent). Otherwise he’s not any good. He was also a superb college player who was taken in the first round of the NFL draft.
Lin is a player with several demonstrable basketball skills — he passes well, defends well, rebounds well, attacks the basket. Whereas Tebow’s teams were winning largely in spite of his efforts, Lin actually contributes with points, assists, rebounds, etc. In other words, he’s a good player.
They’re both religious, btw. I will refrain from commenting on the difference between the two.
I guess I was more referring to the popularity
They’ve both kind of taken their sport by storm in a short period of time, although Tebow is obviously more known.
by twinkilling0303 on Feb 9, 2012 2:21 PM CST up reply actions
He is Christian I think
He is some what of a new Asian icon, so in some aspect, he’s not that different from Tebow. Tebow is however an unconventional player, Lin is actually a fine guard
I think It’s less about how good Lin actually is(he’s a fine player, but rotational at best), but more about marketability of Lin as a Harvard product ABC player. However, if Knicks wasnt so bad, the Linsanity would not happen, it’s more proof of the ineptitude of the NYK front office that it is other wise
Jeremy Lin
is a Christian and wishes to become a Preacher/Missionary, just like Tebow. This puts Lin into my top 5 favorite NBAers!
by manfrednissley on Feb 9, 2012 1:15 PM CST up reply actions
Re the East
A starting line-up of Dragic,Lee,Bud,Patterson and Hill.
Could be on fringes of Play-Off berth in East.
Lin was victim of Stern trade veto. W/trade rescinded,Dragic stayed w/Rockets and choice was either pay Flynn $3.4mil plus to not play or waive the unguaranteed Lin. Easiest decision at the time,esp since neither would have been expected to play much.
Dude WTF was Jordan Hills deal last night
He looked like joke. The easy layup he missed that he should have just thrown down and shattered glass all over everyone?! CMON!
Rectum!? Damn near killed 'em!!!
by theSpaceCityKid on Feb 9, 2012 12:12 PM CST reply actions
read the first sentence in a heavy Russian accent
Rectum!? Damn near killed 'em!!!
by theSpaceCityKid on Feb 9, 2012 12:12 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Rockets lose,
106-96.
Too tired, and without Lowry, we don’t have enough.
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
Not sure how you could pick against the rockets here.
Bud continues to shine off bench. Dalembert rectifies his game leading the field in boards, and the red dragon fills in for k-lo amply with a double double
Rockets 112-98
by Ketchup&mustard on Feb 9, 2012 1:28 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
I think it's valid
off a back to back and loss of your best player with your leading scorer in a slump, while the opponent is riding a 3 game winning streak and a hot Steve Nash
by NVP on Feb 9, 2012 1:54 PM CST up reply actions
My basis is bias of course
But based on the quality wins this team has amassed lately and based on how adequately this team fended off the blazers last night after K-Lo went down bc of the tremendous depth this team has and based on how well they have performed coming off back to backs this year and based on how they have proven themselves to be Yao sized heads above this phoenix team with a blowout win last time they faced off, there is no reason why u should pick against the Rockets here. Jesus Joseph and Mary! For Christ’s sake have some confidence in your squad bro! U got them losing to phoenix? Father time steve nash aside, three game win streak aside, I think the rockets deserve a little more respect than than that fella’s. I’m a longtime member of the red nation but also consider myself a realist and I see no validity to that prediction.
by Ketchup&mustard on Feb 9, 2012 3:04 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
I have confidence that we can win
not by 14 like you, it’d be more of a drag out 5-6 point game either way, I believe the line is something like -3.5 Suns
We’re not a great comeback team, if fact we are more of build lead collapse, then try to come back again team
You cant call yourself a realist when you veer so far above the Vegas line
by NVP on Feb 9, 2012 4:54 PM CST up reply actions
An actual realist
doesn’t follow some low-ball line set by vegas, rather, I call it like I see it. At this point in the season,I’m aware that the rockets are very underrated and are not being given the appropriate amount of respect which they will in time. Also, an actual realist makes their judgments on facts. One being the rockets have doubled up in the win column three of the last for back to backs. That my friend is what we call a trend and should be followed accordingly. Another fact is that you’re a douchebag that comments on everybodys elses posts attempting to one up them. Actually that’s just an opinion. So its settled, in your opinion I’m not realistic and in mine you’re a douche. Rockets by double digits lol
by Ketchup&mustard on Feb 9, 2012 7:37 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
and you suck at predictions
lets agree to disagree
Hahahaha! Damn u suck sooooo bad!
by Ketchup&mustard on Feb 10, 2012 2:48 AM CST via Android app up reply actions
I never claimed to be mature I just claimed u were a douche
Be a better fan fag
by Ketchup&mustard on Feb 10, 2012 3:00 AM CST via Android app up reply actions
Friendly reminder, personal insults, especially homophobic and racist ones, get ya banned.
Maireann croí éadrom i bhfad.
Is that a monkey in like a bath robe?
Really?
Dallas and Houston fan making it work. Gig 'em!
I give it a 6/10
Dallas and Houston fan making it work. Gig 'em!
Might want to up that score, the Secret Service didn't visit YOUR school.
It’s in your best interest.
Maireann croí éadrom i bhfad.
Rockets 103- 94
If bench continues no Kyle will be ok for a game.
McHale is not a good coach. He just has a more talented set of players.
Something I saw on BlazersEdge.
Made me smile
Rockets 101-92
Dragic goes off. Bud gets another double-double, and Patterson hits some timely 4th courter j’s. Also k-mart gets out of his slump and dalembert continues to polish his seat
"San Antonio is the best falling down team in the league"- Bill Worrell
quarter, idk how i came up with courter lol, just got out of a test my mind is mush
"San Antonio is the best falling down team in the league"- Bill Worrell
by TheLastDynasty on Feb 9, 2012 1:18 PM CST up reply actions
The sad part
is that I ready “courter” and didn’t even notice.
Rockets 108-104
Probably a homer pick but i’m still on a high of last nights win with the starters not playing well. Starters should not be too tired and will get back on track vs the suns poor defense. Nash and Dragic go back and forth vs each other all night but the bench is the difference again tonight.
Ouch… Lin. We feel your pain. Now you understand how Spurs fans feel about Scola.
If this kid keeps going in the NYC market…..its going to hurt.
Do or do not! There is no try!
by Spurs Yoda on Feb 9, 2012 1:59 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Well, at least our PG situation in Houston is pretty solid. Eases the pain
by VBG on Feb 9, 2012 2:08 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah. With drafting splitter is why we let scola go. Thank god he is waking up. Took him a year in the nba. I hope splitter gets most improved pkayer.
Do or do not! There is no try!
by Spurs Yoda on Feb 9, 2012 2:22 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I still like James Harden for the MIP
I find him to be a very impressive player. Can you think of a player who has managed to take away shots from high caliber players like Westbrook and Durant? Most in his position would shrivel up and cry about how there is a logjam but he has worked hard and proved to Scotty (I still reserve the right to call him Scotty) Brooks that he is more than capable of being a productive part of the offense.
Just imagine if he DIDN’T play with guys other high caliber (and volume) players… I think he would easy being averaging 20+ points a game, 5+ rebounds and 6+ assists.
I’m pretty high on the kid haha
Plus he's got the weird beard.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
I think it'd be crazy he's the MIP
because he was this good last year, only difference is that he got more time and less competition
He should be 6th man of the year though(however arbitrary the award is)
by NVP on Feb 9, 2012 4:35 PM CST up reply actions
I take Rockets again
Martin wakes up and Dalembert returns to beast mode.
Rockets win 103 – 92
My thoughts are like Brian Cushing on the field: Everywhere.
Rockets win 105-97
"I always keep a ball in the car. You never know."
-Hakeem Olajuwon
"Stern Sucks"
-Me
Patrick Patterson is becoming a fav of mine
Playing very consistent and has the same demeanor throughout. He just keeps playing no matter how it’s going.
rockets win 101-100
martin has an “ok” night but hits the game winning 3. parsons and patterson combine for 30+. our starters disappoint overall, but our bench keeps us in it.
by HTown80 on Feb 9, 2012 3:14 PM CST via Android app reply actions
Suns win 96-90
Rockets come out flat.
Sonicsgate: A movie about how the Sonics were stolen from Seattle.
Don't trade Courtney Lee!
Rockets win 102-88
Too much Rockets bench for PHX to handle.
"Each in turn... volunteered his suggestions, his invaluable suggestions."
Rockets 97 Phoenix 92
Erring back on the side of the good guys to get this ship straightened out.
Maireann croí éadrom i bhfad.
Rockets win. 103-101
Dallas and Houston fan making it work. Gig 'em!
hmmm...
stop thinking and start doing
is that a How I Met Your Mother reference right there?
As for the game I just can’t see us taking it, barring a miracle of sorts. Suns 97-88
Not a reference that I know of
And I love that show, so I’d like to think I would know. I just said it because it felt 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
It's something
Barney says to Ted when he gets him drunk in the first season
Every game so important
And I know the whole team realizes it. Martin has got to come out of his funk tonight. And even if the bench isn’t on Fire like last night, they will play their “stops” game and lock down on D. We need this one and Lowry will be missed. I really hope he’s okay!
Rockets win 96 – 92
by Slackary on Feb 9, 2012 6:03 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Rockets 105 Suns 100
Dragic has a double double. Martin breaks slump.
Suns fan here
You guys will probably win by 10. We’re not good at winning streaks this season and we’re at three already which means it has to end soon.
Twitter: @FredLegittt
98-87 rox
We don’t score triple digits…. Ever
by Christopher Dion Harris on Feb 9, 2012 7:04 PM CST via iPhone app reply actions
cept last night
D’oh
by Christopher Dion Harris on Feb 9, 2012 7:05 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Rockets 101-90
Sorry, been super busy. Will post updated scores on recap
"Well, remember what you said, because in a day or two, I'll have a witty and blistering retort! You'll be devastated THEN!" Bill Watterson~Calvin and Hobbes
by The Chuckwagon has rolled on on Feb 9, 2012 7:39 PM CST reply actions
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