So I'm filling out my bracket, and I realize that tonight, the Rockets need to be the Kansas State Wildcats. You know, the team that lost to Colorado three times but still made the NCAA tourney.
In this scenario, Phoenix is Colorado, hopefully. And that sucks because I like the Suns, and especially Steve Nash. Colorado? Not so much. Have fun in the Pac-12! We didn't want you here anyway!
While everyone is getting ready to fill out their brackets and check out The First Four (stupid idea), the Rockets have business to attend to. Yes, they now have to practically run the table. It's sad that the teams ahead of the Rockets keep losing but the Rockets can't capitalize. If the Rockets drop 3 more games in this homestand, the playoffs will be out of reach completely and Dave will have his wish.
And someone please hear the call of Xiane's post below. T-shirts would be sick, and if I was creative/artistic in any way whatsoever I would be all over that. I know for a fact we have a bunch of smart and/or witty readers of this blog, and a design would be a great way to prove to everyone else that you are better than them. Chuckwagonisrolling and BD34 had their man-off, but they need to move over, as the design-off is underway.
The game is slated to start at 7:30pm CST.
Other notable matchups tonight:
The Clippers play at Memphis.Denver plays at New Orleans. 76ers at Utah.
Multiple updates: Nash and Scola out tonight. As is T-Will. Patterson will start for Scola.
Matchups...
PG: Kyle Lowry vs. Steve Nash/Aaron Brooks:
Nash missed the Suns' game yesterday due to pelvic issues. They lost badly, though AB played well. I expect Nash to play again, but I will try to update accordingly.
Either way, Lowry is playing so well, and dominated Phoenix so thoroughly last week that he gets the edge here no matter what. And this is coming from a guy that practically has a man-crush on Steve Nash's game. Look out, Lowry. If you keep this up the creepiness will be coming your way.
Advantage: Rockets
SG: Kevin Martin vs. Vince Carter:
I hate Vince Carter. That is all.
OK, that's not all. Here's one of my favorites, albeit a little blurry.
Advantage: Even
SF: Chase Budinger vs. Grant Hill:
I'll say what I said last time: either Grant Hill or Vince Carter will kill us. Courtney Lee can't guard both, and they're both a little too big for him too. It makes me think Morey will be looking for another defensive wing soon, probably through the draft.
Advantage: Suns
PF: Luis Scola/Jordan Hill vs. Hakim Warrick:
Warrick played like an Amare Stoudemire/Al Jefferson hybrid last time. He scored 200 points and dunked 36 times. The backboard shattered 11 times, and Warrick signed three separate contract extensions during the game.
I hope Scola is back. Please!
Advantage: Hakim Warrick (yes, he's bigger than the team)
C: Chuck Hayes vs. Robin Lopez:
The Rockets got Lopez in foul trouble early last time, and they need to do it again to be successful. Gortat hitting jumpers is what the Rockets have to force the Suns to do.
Chuck generally doesn't play much against the Suns, but I still like him or...(I'm going to say it)...wait for it...(Clutch Fans members better get out of here)...Brad Miller to do work tonight.
Advantage: Rockets
---
Bench:
Suns: Aaron Brooks, Jared Dudley, Mickael Pietrus, Marcin Gortat
Rockets: Goran Dragic, Courtney Lee, Brad Miller, Terrence Williams, Patrick Patterson, Jordan Hill
Advantage: Even
Injuries:
Suns: Channing Frye out, Nash questionable
Rockets: Yao out, Scola questionable
Prediction: Rockets win a close one, 112-107
Suns vs Rockets coverage