See what I did there with the title? That's called "humor." Just a tip for the kids.
So there was a game last night, so you know I'm too tired to write a preview.
Just kidding!!! Holy cow what a win! Best win of the season, for sure.
So I hate to pull the sympathy card, but I feel like I have to, since suddenly the talk of tanking and trading for picks and whatnot has become prevalent.
I've been writing previews here for about two years now. I have written over 150 previews. I have never been able to write a playoff game preview. I want to write one oh-so-badly.
So the Rockets should make the playoffs for me. That's right, I'm being selfish. But here's the thing: I don't think any team can catch the Rockets for the eighth seed anymore.
The Hornets, Kings, and Warriors weren't going to catch up to us.
Phoenix came out of the break swinging and is a team to watch out for, but I don't know if they can do it.
Portland is phoning this thing in like crazy, but if they make a deal at the deadline it might energize them.
Utah can't win on the road at all.
And Minnesota was the team to do it. Young, energetic, just as good on the road as at home, and they held the tiebreaker over us. Could you imagine an OKC-Wolves first round matchup? Delightful! Rubio-Westbrook, Durant-Love, Harden-Beasley. But Rubio's injury changes everything for those Wolves, and I don't know if Love can carry them in alone. If Williams comes around though, there's definitely a chance.
But I'm pleading with the Rockets now. Just hold on. Make the playoffs, even as an eight seed.
Because guess what? You split with the best team in the West. And now you're in their heads.
And since I won't see before it returns (warning: the word "dick" is said around the 0:50 mark, but otherwise it's okay):
Community Returns Trailer (via danharmonsucks)
Oh, the Rockets play Charlotte tonight. Tip is at 7pm CST.
Matchups:
PG: Goran Dragic vs. D.J. Augustin:
Dragic must be exhausted. And his ankle might be sore, too. On the play where he tripped Westbrook (on accident, but then Westbrook went Nicholson), it looked like his ankle got a little twisted. Adrenaline may have kept him going, and his decisions on the final play were superb, but it's something to keep an eye on.
Advantage: Rockets
SG: Courtney Lee vs. Gerald Henderson:
In Lee we trust.
Advantage: Rockets
SF: Chandler Parsons vs. Reggie Williams:
Corey Maggette normally starts here, but had back spasms during the last game so I don't know if he'll play tonight.
Even if he was, Parsons gets the check mark here after last night. Wowza!
Advantage: Rockets
PF: Luis Scola vs. Tyrus Thomas:
Thomas has been an absolute disaster the season, just like the Bobcats. He had so much potential, though.
Advantage: Rockets
C: Samuel Dalembert vs. Bismack Biyombo:
Biyombo is averaging 8/10 with three blocks in March. Not bad at all. I think he'll give Dalembert a run for his money.
Advantage: Even
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Bench:
Bobcats: Kemba Walker, Boris Diaw, D.J. White, Derrick Brown, Byron Mullens
Rockets: Jonny "Don't Call Me Sam" Flynn, Chase Budinger, Patrick Patterson, Me, Xiane, BD, Tom, Lee, Dave, Patrick, Mike, OAL
Advantage: After how the TDS writers fared last night, gotta say Rockets
Injuries/inactives:
Bobcats: Maggette questionable
Rockets: Lowry out (abdomen), Kevin Martin day-to-day (shoulder), Jordan Hill out (flu)
Prediction: Rockets 100-86
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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