More photos » by Pat Sullivan - AP

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The Match-ups:

Point Guard
Aaron Brooks - Weak game against Lakers, with an odd propensity to turnover the ball.  That's not Brooks' M.O. so I expect that to be fixed tonight.  The Thunder won't be able to slap at his hands like the Lakers were, just the way it is.  In theory that game should help him focus on the unforced errors he had as well.
vs.
Russell Westbrook - An 8.0 to 5.5 assists to turnover ratio is the only thing keeping Westbrook from being lauded for a great start to the season.  Portland forced 9 TOs from him to only 2 assists and he was 6 TOs to 7 assists against the Lakers.  Westbrook has an infinite amount of potential though and he'll get it turned around.
Edge: Even

Shooting Guard
Shane Battier - He's awesome in every possible way as an NBA player.  Everyone calls him the ultimate glue guy, but he's not only glue, he's duct tape too.  Whatever the Rockets seem to need he figures it out.  Maybe Duct Tape should be his new nickname.  Hmmm
vs.
Thabo Sefolosha - Wish I had something to say.  High draft pick that hasn't panned out to date.  He's still only 25 and he's with the right team to blend in and become a solid role player.
Edge: Rockets

Small Forward
Trevor Ariza - Came back down to earth against his former team.  Some may say he choked, frankly it doesn't bother me at all.  It was one game out of 5 and a few bad decisions less and that game looks different.  Ariza will have a challenge tonight, but his floor movement should allow him to put up points close to his season numbers.  
vs.
Kevin Durant - There is no one, not even Bill Simmons with more of an unhealthy man crush on Durant than I.  He's phenomenal (save for three point shooting).  His defense seems to be improving, granted that's based on seeing one game this season so far.  His length and athleticism combined with skill are second to only Lebron James in the NBA and his numbers look eerily similar to Lebron's over his first few years.  Durant is the future of the NBA
Edge: Thunder

Power Forward
Luis Scola - 3 good games with 2 lesser games.  That needs to be more like 10 to 1 for an all star appearance like I predicted pre-season to happen.  I believe he'll get there still, nothing has really shown me that he won't.  He's still figuring out his spot in the lineup with all of the movement, and it's still coming along.
vs.
Jeff Green - Green has stepped his game up all three seasons in the league and he's poised to break out this year.  It will still be a year or 2 before the Thunder can make the playoffs, but it won't be because of Green that they don't, that much is very clear. 
Edge: Rockets

Center
Chuck Hayes - Chuck makes 2.14MM, and is putting up 9 and 8 for the Rockets.  That's an absolute steal.  When he's in the game, the Rockets are winning, that's a pretty nice statistic itself
vs.
Nenad Krstic - A great pick up last season for the Thunder.  He's big and only 26 years old.  He makes the MLE amount which is the perfect money for a serviceable center.
Edge: Rockets

Injuries/Suspensions
Houston Rockets
OUT -McGrady, duh.  Chase Budinger is going to be a game time decision.  
Oklahoma City Thunder
OUT - None

My Prediction: Rockets struggle with the athleticism of the Thunder for a few quarters.  In the fourth they put the game away, win by 7-11.

More photos » by Don Ryan - AP

10 days ago: Houston Rockets guard Aaron Brooks, left, drives on Portland Trail Blazers guard Steve Blake during the first quarter of their NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

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The Match-ups:

Point Guard
Brooks - Struggled at times last night being the primary option.  This is going to be a long process and it is TBD what the outcome will be.  Tonight he should have a lot of freedom to roam on offense as Golden State isn't exactly known for their defense. 
vs.
Curry - I don't understand why he fell to the Warriors, and I don't know why they thought pairing 2 6'3 guards together was a great idea.  That said, the Rockets have had a good amount of success with an even smaller duo at times in Brooks and Lowry.  Curry is going to be a good player, and he is going to score immediately as the PG in the Warriors offense.  Tonight we get to see what he's made of on the NBA level.
Edge: Rockets

Shooting Guard
Battier - He was -22 in +/-.  I don't ever remember seeing a stat like that for Shane.  Clearly it's one game and could just be wrong place, wrong time.  He did hold Brandon Roy under his scoring average from last season, and it's not really his job to bring the offense. 
vs.
Ellis - Ellis's shooting percentage feel way off last year in his 25 games, from 53% to 45%.  A lot of that could be explained on rust.  He's had a full off-season conditioning plan to get back to the max player that Golden State is paying him like.
Edge: Warriors

Small Forward
Ariza - Still getting to know Ariza and it is still just as obvious that he doesn't have solid handles and has a tough time creating his own shot.  That's fine, as Ariza wasn't signed for this season, he was signed for the next two.  Hopefully he'll start to settle in to this bigger role and will grow throughout the season.
vs.
Jackson - Port Arthur's Jackson is still a good player. In the off-season he talked about wanting a trade.  Kind of funny when one of your more selfish guys (a guy I really like on the court) is saying that he wants out of a team that allows him to do whatever he wants on the court.  It's a shame, Warriors fans are awesome, they deserve a lot more.
Edge: Warriors

Power Forward
Scola - Hopefully he was just in a funk last night and it wasn't his ankle truly bothering him.  He'll have a match up against a guy that plays with constant energy, so it will go one of two ways.  Either Scola will get Turiaf in foul trouble early and often or it will be a long night. 
vs.
Turiaf - Turiaf is a great piece to a championship puzzle, what he isn't is a great piece to a normal every day team.  I really like his game and he clearly brings a lot to the table.  In fact, he does it in a very similar way that Chuck Hayes does it, plain old hard work.
Edge: Rockets

Center
Hayes - Chuck, while obviously offering nothing on the offensive end, did a great job as always on the defensive end.  He should be able to do solid work on Biedrins tonight.
vs.
Biedrins - Easily a top 10 center in the league, and I'm struggling name 5 real centers better than him with Yao out.  Great shooter with a lot of energy.  Should be the perfect fit for the Don Nelson system if Don Nelson was still alive.
Edge: Warriors

Injuries/Suspensions
Houston Rockets
OUT - Tracy McGrady
Golden State Warriors
OUT - None


My Prediction: Rockets find a way to pull it out, winning by 3.  Even though the Warriors have  a slight edge in the starting lineup, and the more talented 6th man, the Rockets play actual team basketball, something, I wish for Warriors fans,  Don Nelson was capable of teaching anymore.  Sadly he doesn't seem willing to do it.

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Last year's record: 53-29
Playoffs: Beat Portland 4-2.  Lost to Los Angeles Lakers (epically, at that) 4-3.
Key losses: Yao Ming (injury), Ron Artest, Von Wafer, Brent Barry, James White 
Key additions: Trevor Ariza, David Andersen, Jermaine Taylor, Chase Budinger, Pops Mensah-Bonsu

From Lee Grammier:

1. What significant moves were made during the offseason?

Yao Ming's injury status in the offseason was not a "move" made by the Rockets but it clearly qualifies as season altering information.  The original prognosis was that he'd be out until training camp, with the revised prognosis being that he will be out for the entire season.  In the long run this could turn out to be best for Yao's health.  He has a signed NBA contract for his services that the Chinese National government agreed to and based on some of their decision making he has rarely been able to fulfill that contract.  In no way do I begrudge Yao for wanting to play in the Olympics for his country, but the other games simply have to stop. 

The Trevor Ariza signing was the most significant roster move of the off-season.   While I've been on record saying that Trevor Ariza wasn't someone I was interested in, that was prior to the Rockets gaining a second mid level exception.  Daryl Morey has not been wrong a single time as general manager of the Houston Rockets, so while this may not be signing Joe Johnson, it was a heck of a pickup.  Swapping Artest for Ariza made much more sense given the season the Rockets are going to have to endure, the generally low price tag and Ariza's age.

2. What are the team's biggest strengths?

From a position perspective the team's biggest strength is the power forward slot.  Few, if any teams in the NBA can boast a 3 deep rotation of starter quality players at any position.  The Rockets have Luis Scola, Carl Landry and Chuck Hayes.  Each brings something different to the table with Scola being the most complete player.  He is likely to be the Rockets biggest star this season.  My prediction is that he will earn a spot on the All Star team this year, but won't actually get in.  I also predict that he will be listed as the number one snub by every respectable writer around.  If Carl Landry can continue to add some shooting touch from beyond 12 feet he will take a huge step forward in his career.  At 26 years old, this is the season where he will define who he is as a player. 

From a team perspective defense will keep the Rockets in games that their scoring will say they have no business being in.   The carryover from the JVG years that has been the Rockets calling card could be as good as it's ever been this year.  While there is no Yao Ming holding down the middle, the rest of the defense should be even better making it a wash.  Every player on the team can play defense (contrary to popular belief, Scola is a solid defender) and just about everyone has speed, strength and athleticism.  The key question on defense is how with David Andersen plays his part.

3. What are the team's biggest weaknesses?

The Rockets weakest position going into the season is clearly center.  Losing the second best center in the league (and the best if health isn't factored in) will do that to a team.  Given the Rockets inability to sign a viable back-up in the last two seasons not named Dikembe Mutombo, this was inevitable.  Not, mind you, that I blame Daryl Morey, there simply are not many centers out there, and when you have the best, you just have to hope he can stay on the court.  The Rockets have not been very lucky in that department.  David Andersen and Chuck Hayes will likely vie for the starting position with Landry and Scola getting spot minutes and Joey Dorsey getting left-overs.  Regardless, Hayes will play, but not always at center.  If Andersen can put something together the Rockets can make the playoffs.  Luckily for the Rockets and us as fans, the NBA simply does not have a lot of viable, true centers, so if you are going to have either a weakness or a strength, center is a great place for it.

As a team, Houston is going to struggle scoring.  Morey drafted two players explicitly because of their ability to score in Chase Budinger and Jermaine Taylor.  They believe Trevor Ariza can step it up, though I am more than a little skeptical about that scenario.  The sooner Tracy McGrady comes back from injury, the better.  Simply put, the Rockets are desperate for scoring. 

In the meantime, Luis Scola and Aaron Brooks will most likely lead the team in scoring.  Scola will average 18-20 points a game this season - it's a stone cold lock.  He's extremely capable on the offensive end and needs to make sure he doesn't gamble as much on the defensive end.  Brooks, like so many other Rockets, has to step his game up as he did at times in the playoffs last year.  His size makes him somewhat of a liability on the defensive end, so he needs to use his speed to play the passing lane and create fast break points.  The Rockets biggest hope for scoring is the same that will allow them to continue to be great on the defensive end; speed and athleticism.  This team will run the fast break like they are the early 90s UNLV Runnin' Rebels.   Defense will have to lead to offense - it's as simple as that.

4. What are the goals for this team?  What will make this a successful season?

The goals for this team are very straightforward:  Develop the young players, play hard every single night, and to do whatever it takes to make the playoffs.  The team is not bad en ough to do any worse than the back of the lottery, so with the added revenue of a playoff team, it is a no brainer to take a shot at the playoffs.  Night in and night out they will play hard, focused defense.  If at any point in the season they are not hustling they will get run off the court.  There is not enough scoring on this team to play anything but all out, all the time. 

There are two ways to look at the Rockets series versus the Lakers in last year's playoffs:

1. The Rockets are a very good team and are capable of beating anyone on a given night, even without Yao.

2.  The Rockets got lucky playing against a lackadaisical Lakers team. 

Neither of them is right in full.  It was really a combination of the two. 

The Rockets are a very well put together team, thanks to Daryl Morey.  Not one player, on down to the last guy on the bench, is a quitter.  They all work hard during the game, in practice and in the weight room.  Every player has at least one extreme strength and, with the exception of Chuck Hayes' offensive game, is capable of every facet of NBA level basketball.  And that's not a knock on Hayes, as his defensive skills more than make up for his lack of offense.  For anyone thinking this team is a 50 game winner as it stands today, I just don't have that leap of faith ability in me.  They will be a good team and no one will want a game against them at any point in time this season.  However, they will struggle to score and it will be very ugly at times when they do win.  Typically going into a season like this most would think there wasn't a lot to look forward to, but with the Rockets that's not the case.  Every game should have someone new step up - that's the great thing about having a true 12 man team.

Three underrated players/stories on this team

1. Luis Scola.  He's a one improved season away from becoming one of the top power forwards in this league.  It's not just about the box score with Luis - he hustles more than any player I've ever seen.

2. Rick Adelman.  It's no accident that our offense often looks smoother without our stars.  While it may not work as well in the late game situations, the Rockets always keep themselves in games when undermanned.  This is in large part due to Adelman's ability to adapt.

3. Trevor Ariza is an upgrade over Ron Artest...for this team.  Yes, we lose a terrific defender in Ron-Ron, but as far as that category goes, Ariza is not too much of a downgrade, and most importantly, his usage rates are far lower.  I don't know about you, but I got tired of seeing Artest chunk up horrible shots in the playoffs and waste possessions.  The Rockets should be much more efficient with Ariza in the lineup.

Predicted Record: 41-41.  It could be lower, but in all honesty, could be higher as well.  A good chunk of it depends on Mr. McGrady.

Tom's individual player previews after the jump...

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More photos » by Pat Sullivan - AP

5 months ago: Houston Rockets' Luis Scola of Argentina reacts to scoring a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game 6 of their NBA Western Conference playoffs basketball series Thursday, May 14, 2009 in Houston. The Rockets won 95-80 to tie the series at 3-3. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

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The really, really long and surprisingly uneventful offseason (save for Yao news) is finally, thankfully OVER!  Basketball is BACK!  The Houston Texans have company in my game-watching world again.

Tonight the Rockets - at least what is left of them - travels to San Antonio to play the Spurs in the first pre-season game of the 2009-10 season.   And while the national media basically is going to ignore the Rockets all season long, I would be remiss in not mentioning that you can actually catch a glimpse of your favorite team tonight on FSN HOU. 

I am not sure if it will be in HD ... but given that it's pre-season and there is no Yao, Tracy or Crazy Pills -- maybe no HD is a good thing for now (?).

I have no idea what the starting lineup is going to be, but here's my guess:

PG:  Aaron Brooks

SG:  Jermaine Taylor (Battier has that injury and all...)

SF:  Trevor Ariza

PF:  Luis Scola (he's still a badass)

C:  David Andersen (?) - if only because I still can't picture Chuck Hayes here fulltime.

If there is a Tracy McGrady sighting on the court ... well, my head just might explode.  Anyway --
GO ROCKETS!!!  (It's good to be able to say that again)

More photos » by LM Otero - AP

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We've gone over the match-ups for 6 games.  Now, let's go over what the Rockets need to do to put themselves in a position to win.  I'm not saying every one of these things has to happen, but 3 out of 5 will keep the game close.

Point Guard
Brooks/Lowry vs. Fisher/Brown/Farmar -  To win this match-up Lowry and Brooks need to bring their magic to the road.  Brooks has to drive the lane and look for the open man, but not be afraid to finish.  You could say the exact same thing for Kyle Lowry, run, drive, score or pass.  One things for sure, this HAS to be one of the 3 spots the Rockets win.  A loss of an edge here will just about guarantee a blowout.  Even a close match-up will make a Rockets win iffy.  The good news is that even when they haven't played well, the Rockets have won the point guard battle.  If I could have three things they would be 1.  Smart passes 2.  Come to the ball at all times 3.  Drive the lane, repeatedly
Edge:  Rockets

Shooting Guard
Battier/Wafer/Artest vs. Bryant/Vujacic - Battier has held Kobe for 3 of the 6 games, and it has been the biggest key to Rockets victories.  That's not to say Kobe didn't score or shoot well, it's just that he worked about 30% harder to do so and it was at the expense of his teammates to some extent.  Will Kobe's teammates show up?  Hopefully not, but even if they don't, making Kobe into a one man scoring show can help the Rockets win, as long as he has to work extra hard and long for those shots.  Force him to the places he likes to shoot least and Chuck Hayes continue to defend the pick and roll well (just watch the fouls).  If Kobe shoots more than 25 times the Rockets will have a chance to win.  Von Wafer coming off the bench and adding a spark with the second unit could really come through as well.  This could be a break out of the doghouse type game.  If he goes for double digits, it's a very good sign for the Rockets.
Edge: Lakers

Small Forward
Artest/Battier vs. Ariza/Odom - Artest on Odom has been a defensive masterpiece, it needs to continue in Game 7.  If Lamar Odom goes for more than 16 the Rockets could find themselves on the wrong end of the war.  Keeping Odom from energy plays that he needs to stay focused is important and Ron Artest is exactly the guy that can do that.  No dunks for him or Ariza, that's a good recipe for a Rockets win.  Ron needs to take care of the ball as well.  No lazy passes, not even one and no crazy jumpers.  It's time for the Ron Artest of Game 6 against Portland to show up.  No one on LA can or has guarded him, it's been on his shoulders whethere a shot went down or not.  It's time to pump up that Ron Ron magic.
Edge:  Rockets

Power Forward
Scola/Landry/Cook vs. Gasol/Odom/Powell - Luis Landry had a night in Game 6, but Game 7 needs to be the game of their lives.  It's time to show the league that you can be a star Mr. Scola.  Come out with the passion and fire that makes you who you are.  Rebounding out of this group is absolutely key.  A line that I expect from the duo is somewhere in the neighborhood of 28 and 22, if it's close to that, the Rockets will have a shot.  Gasol will score, Odom will be guarded by Artest, and Powell hasn't contributed much.  It's just important to contain all of those guys on the offensive glass.  Box out and get good position and good things will happen.
Edge: Lakers

Center
Hayes/Scola vs. Bynum/Gasol/Mbegna -  This one is easy:  Stay out of foul trouble Chuck, it's just that simple.  Do what you always do, but stay away from the ticky tack calls.
Edge: Lakers 

Prediction: I'm going full homer, Rockets Win, Beat LA

More photos » by Bill Baptist - NBAE/Getty Images

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Point Guard
Brooks/Lowry vs. Fisher/Brown/Farmar -  Up,down,up,down, so is the life of a group of young point guards.  Brooks and Lowry have looked unstoppable at times in these playoffs, and at other times they've made it look like Rafer Alston is a better choice (say it ain't so!).  Currently, with no Yao or Tracy, the Rockets need offense.  Without that offense coming from the point guard slot all is lost.  Both players match up well with LA, however it's been their decision making that has made the biggest difference (other than LA just having more firepower) in the losses this series.  When they make good, solid decisions, the Rocket have a great chance to win.  Whether that be coming to the ball instead of letting a teammate throw an errant pass, or not letting Ron Artest run the offense, or having the confidence that their shot is going to fall, or driving to the basket, those are the decisions that help them win, lose or get blown out.  Fisher/Brown/Farmar are just not an impressive bunch.  Yes, there is some talent in the latter two, and a veteran presence in the former, but they cannot beat Brooks and Lowry if the two of them decide not to be beaten. 
Edge:  Rockets - It's on these two guys' shoulders

Shooting Guard
Battier/Wafer/Artest vs. Bryant/Vujacic - Kobe Bryant IS that good.  He's that good of an offensive and defensive player.  Right now I think he's the 5th to 8th best player of all time.  I'm not exaggerating and it's really funny to me that since people don't like him personally they denigrate his greatness.  The guy is basically perfect as a basketball player.  He is the closest thing to a replacement for Michael Jordan that has ever played in the NBA.  Bryant is also possibly the only guy in the league that works harder at his game and physical ability than Yao Ming, and that's really saying something.  He's the reason Lebron James went supernova this year as well.  James watched his work ethic during the team USA run to the gold and has emulated him ever since.  With all that said, as much as Kobe haters delude themselves about how great he is, Kobe/Laker lovers delude themselves about how much of an impact Shane Battier has on him.  Yes, Kobe still gets his points; he may even shoot a high percentage.  That's all well and good, but here's what you aren't noticing; Shane makes him work harder than any player in the league can even dream of, much less actually do.  And what made Game 4 a blowout wasn't only Brooks and Battier scoring, it was Chuck Hayes coming over for help defense on an already flustered Bryant.  And yes, Kobe has been flustered, he has no other reason to try and taunt Battier.  Save your argument, smarter basketball minds than you and I agree with me.  It's just the way it is.  You should thank Shane; it means that if the Lakers get by the Rockets, Kobe will be that much better as the offense comes to him so much easier.
Edge: Lakers - Come on, it's Kobe Bryant for goodness sake

Small Forward
Artest/Battier vs. Ariza/Powell - Ron, Ron, Ron, or should I say Ron-Ron?  This is your battle to win man.  You have the ability, you have the basketball intelligence, it's just odd how you turn that part of your game on and off.  This playoff run has been mostly due to you, your shot selection and focus has been off the charts.  That is, until Game 5.  I know, the game was out of hand and you tried to do too much, I'm cool with it.  Now it's time to rein it back in and try to get this to a Game 7, where, yes, anything can happen.  Trevor Ariza, or Lamar Odom at the 3, or even Josh Powell don't matter.  You can take all of them.  You can post all of them but Odom up.  Let's give it a shot.  Less three pointers, more driving the lane and more dishing the ball.  Your passing is underrated and people are finally starting to see how good you are at it.  Let's show them a little more?  Okay big guy?
Edge:  Rockets

Power Forward
Scola/Landry/Cook vs. Gasol/Odom/Powell - Luis Scola has been a bit MIA this series.  He's been hesitant with his shot, something we didn't see in the first round and his defense has dropped off.  This needs to be a game where he goes off, 7-10 or so with some spin moves that get Gasol into foul trouble.  Get Gasol to the bench early and the Rockets could build a lead.  And speaking of Gasol, I would like to openly admit that this series has made me come around on him.  I still don't particularly "like him" but I have a healthy amount of respect for him that wasn't there before.  He's the only guy other than Bryant that has come to play night in and night out.  His motor is silent, but deadly.  If Odom plays a lot at the 4, then I expect to see big minutes from Landry.  He'll slide to defending the Lakers SF and Artest will guard Odom.  That lineup is very much in the Rockets favor. 
Edge: Lakers

Center
Hayes/Scola vs. Bynum/Gasol/Mbegna -  Bynum has been predictably decent with no true center, or Chuck Hayes on the court.  He hasn't blown me away, but to be fair to the guy, he's playing on 75% of a knee.  But this matchup comes down to this: Can Chuck Hayes stay out of foul trouble?  If he can, this game will be within the Rockets reach late.  If he can't, it could be another huge loss.  Hayes' defense on Gasol, Odom and Bryant has been nothing short of phenomenal, when he's able to stay on the court.  In LA he was taken out by the refs (I won't argue this) and he needs to know in Game 6 what he can and can't get away with.  You know what would be the perfect ending to this game?  Chuck Hayes sinking the game winning free throws.
Edge: Lakers - But Chuck can sway it his way

Prediction: Rockets win, potentially on a last second shot to send shivers of doubt through LA.  Or maybe it will be false confidence, I'd actually rather that.

More photos » by Eric Gay - AP

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In the spirit of the troll thread, let's have a little fun.  No one thinks the Rockets will win this game.  Not even Rockets fans that say they think they'll win really BELIEVE it will happen, not deep down.  Can the Rockets win?  Of course, this Lakers team, other than Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, is not mentally tough.  So, in that spirit, let's do this from a Lakers troll fan standpoint. (Also, everything I've seen says Odom is likely out tonight)

Point Guard
Brooks/Lowry vs. Fisher/Brown/Farmar -  Aaron Brooks?  Come on now, the Lakers gave him Game 4.  They are a respectful and thoughtful team and knew the Rockets needed that win to keep up this moral victory of a season.  The Lakers are professionals and know that good karma will help them.  Derek Fisher is a fantastic defender, and a champion.  Do you really think Aaron Freaking Brooks could beat him?  EVER?  Of course not.  The Lakers are going to win this spot so badly that Phil J might even start Shannon Brown just to be fair to the Rockets.
Edge:  Lakers

Shooting Guard
Battier/Wafer/Artest vs. Bryant/Vujacic - Shane Battier, you have been warned.  Kobe's not going to take your dirty tactics anymore!  You've hit him in the face 11 times now with that stupid face guarding ploy.  Kobe is a fast healer though and you can't tell.  Your jersey pulling, flopping antics will not stand!  Kobe might go off for 87.  Even in Game 4 you can tell that Kobe just shut it down.  He wasn't wasting anytime finding Battier when he was shooting.  Rest assured that Kobe will be playing 36 straight minutes tonight on both ends of the floor until the dirty Dukie is shamed.  Clearly Shane can't guard him, even Kobe has said so himself.  I don't know why he got that technical in Game 2, it's not like he wasn't be truthful.  Did you see what Battier said?

"We have a free mentality," said Battier, who outplayed Bryant in Sunday's wipeout. "Every shot that everyone takes is a free shot. If it goes in, great. If not, we tried. We have nothing to lose. No one expected much out of us. We expect an effort out of us, but we're going to take our shots, play hard and take our chances."

That's loser talk, from a guy that can't hold Vujacic's jock, much less Kobe's.
Edge: Lakers

Small Forward
Artest/Battier vs. Ariza/Powell - Artest is just a thug.  And I know thugs, I grew up in East St Louis and live in Mississippi now and my parents are from New Orleans.  Like I said, I know thugs.  He's not even a good player.  I could score if I launched 30 shots a game too.  The guy can't even dribble, it's pathetic.  Though, I have to say, I wouldn't say that to his face, he's cut guys for less.  Trevor Ariza is too athletic with too high of a ceiling for this to go the Rockets way.  Ariza shot 50% in Game 4, just showing that Artest doesn't care about defense anymore. 
Edge:  Lakers

Power Forward
Scola/Landry/Cook vs. Gasol/Odom?/Powell - With Odom likely out, mostly because my boys don't need him, The Spanish Inquisitor is going to dominate that other European guy.  All Landry can do is dunk and get garbage rebounds, Powell can do that too, the Lakers just don't need it.  Scola is a greasy punk, I guess he's a decent shooter, but come on, the Lakers aren't scared of him, they are leaving him wide open DARING him to shoot it. 
Edge: Lakers

Center
Hayes/Scola vs. Bynum/Gasol/Mbegna - No Yao means it's Bynum time!  Seriously, the guy is hurt, but he still goes out there like a champion and warrior.  If he's not in the Hall of Fame at the end of his career (unlike Yao Ming I might add) I'll let you have my apartment above the garage.  I'll keep paying the rent for you.  Basically, it's not happening.  Chuck Hayes had a nice game, but come on, we're going to foul him so often that people are going to the hospital for laughing so hard at his free throw shooting. 
Edge: Lakers

Prediction: LAKERS 136 - rockets 73, no reason to double the Rockets up, the Lakers have more class than that