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The Match-ups:

Point Guard
Brooks vs. Udrih - Udrih is a guy that hasn't lived up to Sacramento's plan.  That said, he's not a liability, just a bit overpaid.  He's shooting fantastically this season.  I'm wondering what extended time without Martin is going to do to his game.  Brooks needs to destroy him tonight.
Edge: Rockets

Shooting Guard
Battier vs. Evans - Evans has had a good start to his rookie season.  That will not continue tonight with either Ariza or Battier guarding him.  He has a strong future in the league.  It's interesting how many guys you can say that about on this roster.
Edge: Rockets

Small Forward
Ariza vs. Nocioni - One of the guys I didn't want on the Rockets vs. a guy I dreamed of having.  It might have turned out that I didn't know what I was talking about on this one.  However, Nocioni is a good player that was being completely misused in Chicago.  Ariza has been hit or miss from the field this season, but that was absolutely expected.  He's going to take some time to develop as a number 1, if that's even possible.  I'd be extremely happy if he developed into a great number two.
Edge: Rockets

Power Forward
Scola vs. Thompson - Thompson was considered a reach by many last year for the Kings, he proved that thinking completely wrong.  With Martin out he is going to be relied upon a lot more for scoring, and he's stepped his game up even more lately.  This should be the best match-up of the night.
Edge: Even

Center
Hayes vs. Hawes - Hawes is pretty much the perfect "I need a center that's respectable" guy.  He seems to play hard.  While his game is likely at his peak, it's a level that will give him an extremely long, stable career.  Hayes is at his best matched up against players with Hawes center skill set.
Edge: Even

Injuries/Suspensions
Houston Rockets
OUT - Tracy McGrady
Sacramento Kings
OUT - Kevin Martin

My Prediction: Tight game throughout.  Both of these teams were underrated coming into the season.  I think the Rockets are the better team, clearly so even, however on the road on the west coast, this will be a fight.  Rockets take an 8 point lead in the 3rd, the Kings whittle it, Rockets build it back up at the end of the 4th.  Rockets by 6

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Today we have a little something different.  Phillip Baggett from Mavs Moneyball and I got together to do the preview of the game.  We have a few things in common, we both like my sister (though in DECIDEDLY different ways), and a few things at odds, like the fact that he's a Mavericks fan.  Tonights game is for first place in the Southwest division.  

The Match-ups:

Point Guard

Aaron Brooks –

The Dream Shake – Brooks will destroy Kidd.  It’s the worst possible matchup for the aged former superstar.  His speed will kill, quite possibly finally blowing up Kidd’s knees.

Mavs Moneyball - With Yao and Tracy gone Brooks role as an offensive weapon has increased, and he is making the best of his opportunity. Brooks is averaging 18 points and 8 assists per contest, but it is his speed and quickness that is his deadliest weapon. Look for Brooks to try and penetrate the lane at every opportunity, and then get the ball out to a shooter.

vs.

Jason Kidd –

Mavs Moneyball - Hopefully Jason drinks a few energy drinks before tonight’s game because he will need all the energy he can muster. Jason needs to be very physical with Brooks tonight. Look for the Mavs to get Kidd involved early by posting up the much smaller Brooks. Kidd must try to negate the speed of Brooks and force the Rockets to double.

The Dream Shake – Kidd turned it around again last season, but has dropped off his scoring yet again.  He’s doing what the Mavs need of him, so no real knock there.  Unless, of course, you remember what they are paying him. 

Edge:

Mavs Moneyball - Even: This should be a very good match up, complete opposite skill sets, size, and speed. Brooks the young, quick, and speedy youngster versus Kidd the bigger, stronger, and experienced veteran.  

The Dream Shake – Rockets:  Brooks is just better at this point in Kidd’s career at every phase of the game

Shooting Guard

Shane Battier –

The Dream Shake – Sometimes when a player flies under the radar for too long, a lot of ambassadors of good will for them will pile up and then that underrated player will become overrated.  No such thing will ever happen to Battier, he’s finally getting his due, and he’s earned every bit of it.  (Though Phillip is right, Duke does suck)

Mavs Moneyball - Duke Sucks!!

vs.

Josh Howard –

Mavs Moneyball - Glad to see Josh back, not glad to see Josh’s jump shot has not gotten any better. As long as Josh keeps going strong to the basket however the jump shot is not a concern.

The Dream Shake – I used to be a huge fan of this once up and coming sure thing.  Then an odd thing happened.  Howard stopped improving, and his shot seemed to get worse.  Then, he opened his mouth and repeatedly put his foot in it.  He’s still a better than average player with insane athletic skills.  Something tells me that in 3-4 years, after he has a contract issue with how much he’s getting paid, it will all click for him.  For now, he’s good, but Shane has tricked him into shooting too much on many occasions.

Edge:

Mavs Moneyball - Mavs: Once again Duke Sucks!

The Dream Shake – Even:  Sorry Mavs fans, you have to do more than score.

Forward

Trevor Ariza -

The Dream Shake – Ariza got his shooting back on track against OKC, and I have to say, he’s been better than I even hoped, which is even more than I thought was possible.  He can’t "create his own shot" in a traditional way, but he doesn’t need to do that.  In fact, that’s why he’s such a great fit in the traditional Adelman system.  He is incredible on moving without the ball, thus creating the shot with a pass from Brooks.

Mavs Moneyball - The Rockets have been leaning heavily on Ariza to be a scorer, and so far he has done a pretty good job at it. He comes in averaging 20, 4, and 4. Ariza known for his defensive prowess has now seemed to have added a solid offensive game to go along.

vs.

Shawn Marion:

Mavs Moneyball - I really like the hustle and defensive skills that Marion brings to the Mavs. There is a trend that has been going with Shawn though that is disturbing, and that is his lack of trips to the line. In 6 games he has managed a mere 11 FTA, this must change.

The Dream Shake – Really the perfect pick up for the Mavericks.  He fits needs all over the place for them.  I’ve long been a fan; Anyone that can shoot a shot that ugly and have it go in as consistently as Marion does is great in my book.

Edge: 

Mavs Moneyball – Mavs: The Mavs have the edge in this match up but by the smallest of margins.

The Dream Shake – Mavs:  Ariza could shut Marion down this game, but shear one player vs. the other, Marion is better. 

Power Forward

Luis Scola –

The Dream Shake – Scola is slowly ticking his numbers back up.  I know that every preview I say he’s finding his way in the new offense, but that’s exactly what’s happening.  By the end of November I fully expect him to be averaging 17 and 10.  And it’s absolutely possible for him to get to 20 and 10.

Mavs Moneyball - What the hell were the Spurs thinking?

vs.

Dirk Nowitzki –

Mavs Moneyball - While Scola is a very nice player, he is NOT Dirk, and tonight he gets to prove that point once again.

The Dream Shake – Mavs Moneyball is correct, he’s not Dirk.  And while Rockets fans don’t like Dirk (though he seems like a good guy and the only reason for it is that he plays for Dallas) I do like him.  He’s even averaging a career high in points, while not far off from his career high in rebounds.  He’s good, really, really good.

Edge:

Mavs Moneyball - Mavs: Do I really need to tell you why?

The Dream Shake – Mavs:  No, you don’t need to tell why

Center

Chuck Hayes –

The Dream Shake – I’ll answer the question below:  He does it with his low center of gravity, terrific strength and intense study and practice sessions.  Chuck Hayes has always played this well defensively.  The difference for him is offensively.  And all it took was time for Chuck to focus on moves he was never asked to focus on.  He’s being put in the right situation by Rockets passers and he’s capitalizing.

Mavs Moneyball - Who? How does a midget play center in the NBA as well as Hayes has so far this season? He cannot play this well forever, right?

vs.

Eric Dampier:

Mavs Moneyball - Yes that’s right the self proclaimed "Best Center in the West" has now played well in every game so far this season. I am still waiting however for the night he decides to not show up.

The Dream Shake – He sucked last year, the year before that, the year before that, the year before that, etc.  What’s different now?

Edge:

Mavs Moneyball - Even: Hayes is a midget and Dampier is bound to not show up one night

The Dream Shake – Rockets:  Dampier just isn’t any good. 

Injuries/Suspensions

Houston Rockets

OUT - Tracy McGrady

Dallas Mavericks

OUT – Tim Thomas

Prediction:

Mavs Moneyball - Should be another classic Dallas vs Houston game, I suspect the Rockets will hang in there most of the game, only to have their hearts ripped from their chest by Jason Terry. The Jet owns the Rockets and that does not change tonight.

Mavericks: 98

Rockets: 92

The Dream Shake – I agree on the Jason Terry part, he’s always good for 50ish against the Rockets.  I hope that the Rockets have finally remembered that he exists.  Aside from that, the Rockets have to find a way to contain Dirk.  He’s been on a tear so far this year, and I think this is the first season he really believes in the Mavs since they went to Finals.  That goes a long way to what the Mavs can do.  That said, it’s early in the season, first place in the division is on the line and the Rockets play the game the right way.  Rockets by 1

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

23 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

6 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