The Dream Shake - Complete Coverage: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston RocketsThe best footwork on the Internethttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/34031/32x32.png2013-04-18T03:03:32-05:00http://www.thedreamshake.com/rss/stream/40003812013-04-18T03:03:32-05:002013-04-18T03:03:32-05:00Rockets lose in overtime, move to 8th seed
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Another win slips through the Rockets fingers and Houston now pack their bags for Oklahoma. What went wrong for Houston?</p> <p>Leave it to the last game of the season for the dramatics, not to mention the location. The Lakers out muscled the Rockets Wednesday night for a 99-95 victory in overtime. Houston was lucky to be in overtime as it took a 26 foot three pointer from Chandler Parsons at the end of regulation to tie the game at 90. In the end Parsons shot would only deny the inevitable. Costly turnovers and the Lakers domination on the board was too much for Houston to handle. The loss drops the Rockets to the 8th seed and will now face Oklahoma City Sunday night. Both Houston and LA will finish the season with identical records 45-37.</p>
<p><b>Thoughts on the game:</b></p>
<p><b></b><span style="line-height: 17px;"><i>Offensive woes</i></span></p>
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<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">In the second half and overtime the Rockets only scored 45 points. They had countless droughts where the offense looked staggered. The ball movement that was present in the first half was gone. In the fourth quarter the Rockets found it tough to get any sort of penetration into the lane. The Lakers twin towers made life impossible for James Harden, Jeremy Lin and Parsons in the fourth quarter. With three and a half minutes left in the game the only offense the Rockets could muster was a Harden contested layup and the Parsons desperation three. The overtime was no different. Houston did not make it's first field goal until 1:10 left in the game. Not counting a Parsons free throw. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">There's an old saying in basketball circles, <i>"Live by the three, Die by the three"</i>, and that was the Rockets undoing. One of the best three-point shooting teams in the league went 8-33 from behind the arc. A measly 24%. In the fourth quarter Houston only converted four three pointers. Hard to believe considering the Rockets made close to 900 three pointers in the regular season, their second highest total was in the 2006-07 season when they made 705. For the Rockets to surprise people and beat Oklahoma City they're going to need to make three pointers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">In the Rockets second to last possession of the game with :49 seconds left they were unable to successfully run a play. This is a problem the Rockets have had all season long, when it comes time to run a set play they get dazed and confused. Leading to last second desperation shots. This possession is worse because it's coming out of a timeout. Elite teams are able to score in situations like that and for the Rockets that's the next thing to learn. </span></li>
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<div><i>Defensively</i></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Steve Blake did his best White Mamba impersonation on his way to scoring 24 points. More times than not he would lose Lin and be open on the corner or wing for an open three. The case was different when Patrick Beverly was in the game. Beverly pestered him and made life uncomfortable for him. Regardless the damage was done. Heading into Sunday's playoff game against the Thunder it has to be on McHale's mind that Lin is gonna have to guard one of the most dynamic point guards in the league in Russell Westbrook. Might Kevin Mchale opt to play Beverly key minutes in the playoffs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Omer Asik did an excellent job on Dwight Howard in the first half. Holding him to four points. Howard ended the night with 16 points and 17 rebounds but earned every one of them. Asik stood his ground and went toe to toe with Howard. Even getting a key block in the fourth quarter that led to a failed fast break on the other end. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px;">In the fourth quarter when the Rockets were struggling to string two passes together it was their defense that was on display. With less than a minute to play in the game the Rockets stymy defense caused a Lakers shot clock violation and gave the ball to Houston with :49 seconds. Of course any talk of defense goes out the window when the end result is a loss.</span></li>
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<div><b>Player Ratings:</b></div>
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<div><i>Jeremy Lin: (3) 12 points and 8 assists</i></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: 12px;">As state before Lin played horrible defense and let Blake run around shooting threes. Offensively he had some nice open court lay-ups in the first half, but when the team needed him he was nowhere to be found. His was a tale of two halves. If Lin wants to be a difference maker with Houston he's going to have to start making more of an effort on defense. McHale has shown in the past that he has no problem going with Beverly at the end of the game. </span></li>
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<div><i>James Harden: (5) 30 points and 8 rebounds </i></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: 12px;">The Beard had 30 points but he took a lot of shots to get here. Harden did most of his damage in the first half, scoring 18 points. Tonight's season finale was an ineffective night for Harden, shooting 8/25 from the field and 4/13 from behind the arc. Harden did write his name in the Houston Rockets history books becoming the fifth Rocket to score more than 2,000 points in a season. </span></li>
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<div><i>Chandler Parsons: (7) 23 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists</i></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Time and time again when the Rockets needed a basket Parsons was there. Including making back-to-back lay ups to end the third quarter. Parsons game and emergence this season reminds me of another basketball great who also played a sidekick role to a star. Scottie Pippen. Both players have a similar game and Parsons seems to play better in big games. This season has taught us that Parsons is not afraid to take the last shot, evident by his three at the buzzer. If Parsons puts on a couple of good performances in the playoffs he's going to become a well-paid man. Daryl Morey start getting the check ready. Parsons has the potential to be a long time Rocket.</span></li>
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<div><i>Greg Smith: (5) 8 points and 10 rebounds</i></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: 12px;">The Greg Smith experiment continues. Smith got outplayed by the veteran Pau Gasol, who notched 17 points and 20 rebounds. It's safe to say the Rockets miss Patrick Patterson's mid range jumper. When Donatas Motiejunas was in the starting lineup he was too passive and shot the ball inconsistently. Smith is a bulldozer so while he helps Houston bang in the paint, they lose some offense. Might it be time for Terrance Jones to get a crack at the starting power forward spot. </span></li>
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<div><i>Omer Asik: (5) 8 points and 12 rebounds</i></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Asik's hands seemed to have let him down tonight. He was involved in four failed alley-oops when he couldn't grab the ball. Other times we would fumbled the rebound or let it get poked away. Despite his lack of offensive skills, which have improved from his last year with Chicago, Asik has proved to be a legitimate defensive center in the NBA. HIs game is tailored suited for what Houston wants to do. If he ever gets paired up with a solid power forward that would make for a powerful front court.</span></li>
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<div><i>Bench: (4) 14 points</i></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px;">The Houston bench could have lifted the Rockets from their offensive slump in the second half but they were unable to get it going either. Special note: Beverly is a man with no fear. With 6:30 left in the fourth quarter he went up in the air with the intention of throwing it down on Howard, but was foul before he could do so. Beverly is 6'1 compared to the 6'10 Howard. </span></li>
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<div><i>Coach Rating: (3)</i></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Mchale went small to start the fourth quarter and it proved to be the starting point for LA's comeback. With Gasol and Howard in the game the Lakers were able to take control of the paint and draw fouls. With LA trotting out their All-Stars to start the fourth quarter, McHale should have gone with a combination of Asik, Jones, and Smith. And with 6:18 left in the game McHale opted to sub Beverly out for Lin, despite the fact that Beverly had just scored and made the Lakers turn the ball over. While he didn't have the points his hustle and unwavering fear could have helped Houston.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>It was a tough West swing for the Rockets and now enter the playoffs having lost three out of their last four games. Do you think the Rockets can turn it around and compete against the Thunder? For more information on the Lakers win read more at <a href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" target="_blank">Silver, Screen, and Roll. </a>
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<th class="td-left"> <span>inal - 4.17.2013 </span> </th> <th>1</th> <th>2</th> <th>3</th> <th>4</th> <th>OT 1</th> <th>Total</th>
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<td class="td-name"><span class="loss"> <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> </span></td>
<td>24</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>5</td>
<td class="highlight">95</td>
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<td class="td-name"><span class="win"> <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> </span></td>
<td>21</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>9</td>
<td class="highlight">99</td>
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<a href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/"> </a>
<p class="foot clearfix"><a href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/"><span class="link-more"></span></a><span>Complete Coverage ></span></p>
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https://www.thedreamshake.com/2013/4/18/4237800/rockets-lose-ot-to--lakers-drop-8th-seed-will-face-okc-thunderJesus Acevedo Jr.2013-04-17T20:30:02-05:002013-04-17T20:30:02-05:00GameThread: Rockets vs. Lakers
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<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Tonight marks the last game of the regular season, folks. Your Houston Rockets hold fate in the palm of James Harden's beard. If the Rockets win we play the Spurs or Nuggets. If the Rockets lose, we play the Thunder. It's that simple.</p> <table class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" cellspacing="5" border="1" height="666" align="center" width="577" cellpadding="5"><tbody> <tr><th align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3">2012/2013 NBA Season</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"> <center><img class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/91861/Houston_medium.gif" alt="Houston_medium"></center> <center>(45-36)<br> </center> </td> <th align="center" width="20">@</th> <td width="240"><center><center> <p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/91798/Los_Angeles.gif" target="_blank"><img class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/91798/Los_Angeles_medium.gif" alt="Los_angeles_medium"></a> <br id="1366235047534"></p> <p>(44-37)</p> </center></center></td> </tr> <tr><td align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3"><strong>April 17th, 2013</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3">STAPLES Center</td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>9:30 PM CST</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>ESPN</strong></td></tr> <tr><th align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3"><strong>Starting Lineups</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Jeremy Lin</span></span></span></span></span></span></td> <th align="center" width="20">PG</th> <td width="240"><span>Steve Blake</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>James Harden</span></span></span></span></span></span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SG</th> <td width="240"><span>Jodie Meeks</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Chandler Parsons</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SF</th> <td width="240"><span>Metta World Peace</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Greg Smith</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">PF</th> <td width="240"><span>Pau Gasol</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>Omer Asik</span></span></span></span></span></span></td> <th align="center" width="20">C</th> <td width="240"><span>Dwight Howard</span></td> </tr> <tr><th align="center" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3"><strong>2012/13 Advanced Stats</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span style="text-align: start;">96.2 (1st of 30)</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">Pace</th> <td width="240"><span style="line-height: 8.991477012634277px;">94.5 (4th of 30)</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">109.8 (6th of 30)</td> <th align="center" width="20">ORtg</th> <td width="240"><span style="line-height: 8.991477012634277px;">107.9 (9th of 30)</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">106.1 (16th of 30)</td> <th align="center" width="20">DRtg</th> <td width="240"><span style="line-height: 8.991477012634277px;">106.7 (20th of 30)</span></td> </tr> <tr><th height="20" bgcolor="silver" colspan="3"><p>Also see: <a href="http://silverscreenandroll.com/" target="_blank">Silver Screen & Roll</a> (<a href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2013/4/17/4235490/lakers-rockets-preview-breaking-down-tonights-playoff-implications" target="_blank">Preview</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/LakersBlog_SSR" target="_blank">Twitter</a>)</p></th></tr> </tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Injuries:</strong></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 8.991477012634277px;"><span>Kobe Bryant</span>: left Achilles surgery, out for the season</span></p>
<p><span>Devin Ebanks</span>: respiratory infection, questionable for tonight</p>
<p><span>Jordan Hill</span>: right hip surgery, expected out for the season</p>
<p><span>Steve Nash</span>: right hip spasms/sprained right ankle/back, expected out tonight</p>
<p><strong>Tweets:</strong></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p>T-Mac: "So much has made is made that I’ve never got past the first round, but it takes more than just me."</p>— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JMcDonald_SAEN/status/324562021708345344">April 17, 2013</a> </blockquote>
<p><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"> <p>Chandler Parsons on tonight's playoff dress rehearsal: "We’re excited. We're young. We’re amped. We’re psyched. I think we’re ready for it."</p>— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/324603883106230273">April 17, 2013</a> </blockquote>
<p><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"> <p>Take as you wish. Harden said Rox not playing to avoid OKC. "We just want to get a good win, get our swagger back going into the playoffs."</p>— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/324605215410118656">April 17, 2013</a> </blockquote>
<p><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"> <p>McHale on Rockets playing in this atmosphere: ""We have a lot of guys who’ve never done it. It’s going to be great. It’s going to fun."</p>— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Feigen/status/324699450717126656">April 18, 2013</a> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p>Video Breakdown: The Lakers' offense without Kobe <a href="http://t.co/O10ZIkBFO2" title="http://sbn.to/173GVzE">sbn.to/173GVzE</a></p>— Silver Screen & Roll (@LakersBlog_SSR) <a href="https://twitter.com/LakersBlog_SSR/status/324590506627706881">April 17, 2013</a> </blockquote>
<p><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
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<p><strong>Player to watch:</strong></p>
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<div class="pane sports_data_widget player_info clearfix"> <h2><span>Dwight Howard</span></h2> <h4 class="player-position">#12 / Center / <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> </h4> <div class="player_info_body"> <p><label>Height:</label> 6-11</p> <p><label>Weight:</label> 265</p> <p><label>Born:</label> Dec 08, 1985</p> <p><label>College:</label></p> </div> </div>
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<p><strong style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Th</strong><strong style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">e conversation starts now.</strong></p>
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<h5 class="poll-title">Who do you want the Rockets to play in the first round?</h5>
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<div class="poll_option_percentage" style="display:none">10%</div>
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<h5>Denver Nuggets</h5>
<div class="poll_option_bar"><span class="vote_count">12</span> votes</div>
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<div class="poll_option_percentage" style="display:none">71%</div>
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<h5>San Antonio Spurs</h5>
<div class="poll_option_bar"><span class="vote_count">89</span> votes</div>
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<div class="poll_option_percentage" style="display:none">20%</div>
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<h5>Oklahoma City Thunder</h5>
<div class="poll_option_bar"><span class="vote_count">25</span> votes</div>
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<p class="poll-total-votes"><strong>126</strong> votes
| <span class="poll-has-closed">Poll has closed</span>
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https://www.thedreamshake.com/2013/4/17/4236292/game-82-houston-rockets-vs-los-angeles-lakersthomasfenoglio2013-04-17T08:00:13-05:002013-04-17T08:00:13-05:00Rockets-Lakers game preview
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<img alt="I'm looking forward to every rebound tonight." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uL_4PfowGvqZNz1pPCINs4ARnFM=/3x0:3996x2662/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11662193/20121118_lbm_aj4_533.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>I'm looking forward to every rebound tonight. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Rockets take on the Lakers in a game fraught with playoff implications. This game will determine whether the Rockets finish in sixth, seventh, or eighth in the Western Conference. </p> <p> </p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.tiqiq.com/nba/houston-rockets-tickets?pubid=82148">Houston Rockets Tickets</a></p>
<p>Before we get to the preview, since this is the last preview for the regular season it's my chance to thank everyone. I don't want to start being a Debbie Downer starting with each possible elimination game, so I'm using some of this space today to thank everyone at TDS involved in the previews. That includes Patrick, BD, and OJ ATM, who each wrote at least one preview when there were days I couldn't. I feel like I'm forgetting someone here (Xiane?), so I'll thank all the other writers in one fell swoop. But mostly I want to thank all the readers and everyone who commented. It's been one heck of a season and some of the discussions we had were fantastic. I'm looking forward to it continuing in the playoffs.</p>
<p>Now onto the preview.</p>
<p>Say it with me: This is a big game.</p>
<p>I'm assuming the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Grizzlies</a> will lay down against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Jazz</a>, meaning that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a> will be playing for the playoff lives while the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Rockets</a> will be playing for seventh or sixth. There is desperation on both sides, but make no mistake: the Lakers want this more.</p>
<p>If they lose, that's it assuming the Jazz win. And even if the Jazz lose, then the Lakers can look at the game as their way to play into the seventh seed and avoid OKC. I don't think any of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a>, Rockets, or Lakers/Jazz will get out of the first round, but there's a difference between getting hammered by last year's Western Conference champs and maybe getting to win a game or two in the first round. The Lakers have taken flack all year for how poorly they've done despite the presence of four All-Stars/future Hall of Famers, and finishing seventh would give them a little more confidence and make this less of a disappointment. </p>
<p>For the Rockets, this is a chance to avoid some shame. You never want to back into the playoffs, and you definitely don't want to get OKC in the firs round. The Rockets are staring that right in the face. A week ago we were euphoric when the Rockets clinched and sixth place looked attainable. Who would have thought that one week later the prospect of being eighth was more likely than finishing sixth? Not me. </p>
<p>People compare this to the Texans losing 3 of 4 down the stretch and losing home court advantage. That's not really the same, though there are similarities. A better example is the Rockets in 2009, the last year they went to the playoffs. On the last day of the season, the Rockets needed to win to grab the 2 seed in the West. They lost, and teams 3-5 all won, dropping the Rockets to fifth. They eventually beat the Blazers in six games, but it set up a matchup with the Lakers in the second round. </p>
<p>I know everyone is going to watch this game closely. We've all seen the numbers by now showing that the Lakers are getting way more foul calls lately and the Jazz aren't getting much at all. If indeed there is a conspiracy, I expect the Lakers to get plenty of phantom calls, even without <span>Kobe Bryant</span> who can get foul calls for breathing on him. I've grown a little tired of conspiracy because there's nothing I can do about it. I wish I could impersonate Stern, call Joey Crawford and say, "The Eagle won't land tonight." But I can't because I can't sound like a pompous asshole. </p>
<p>As it is, we'll know pretty quickly if the fix is in. </p>
<p>I think this game can be a great one to watch if it isn't interrupted too often. These are two good teams that are fighting for something. Lots of emotion going down at Staples tonight. </p>
<p>One more thing: if you had asked me before the season that on the last day of the season the Rockets would be able to lose to keep the Jazz out of the playoffs, I'd have laughed my ass off and said, "I hope Royce White goes the full 48!" Now that we're here, I'm not so sure anymore. I want us to win, and no matter whether the Jazz or Lakers miss the playoffs I'll be happy. But I want to win this game too. </p>
<p><b>Tip-off at 9:30pm CST on ESPN. SUCK IT COMCAST!</b></p>
<p><b>PG: <span>Jeremy Lin</span> vs. <span>Steve Blake</span></b></p>
<p>Don't laugh, but Steve Blake carried the Lakers for parts of the first half against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> on Sunday. He finished with 23 points on 8-16 shooting and grabbed five boards.</p>
<p>With no <span>Steve Nash</span> or Kobe tonight, the Rockets have to dominate the backcourt battle. That starts with Lin, who has to dictate the tempo and drive at Blake all night. The Lakers had little depth before the injuries, and now it's a bare bones situation. The backup point guard for the Lakers is <span>Darius Morris</span>, who I like but isn't there yet. </p>
<p><i>Advantage: Houston</i></p>
<p><b>SG: <span>James Harden</span> vs. <span>Jodie Meeks</span></b></p>
<p>When these teams last met, Howard and Pau were injured. That meant Nash and Kobe had to carry the Lakers. For the first half, they did. However, once Harden and Lin got going the game turned on its headd and the Rockets ran away with it. </p>
<p>Tonight is the opposite, with no guard stars but both bigs there. Harden has to get out and run and try to get some easy baskets on the fast break. </p>
<p>If this game is close late, and I assume it will be, then Harden can't look to draw fouls because he's not going to get them. Not in this game, with so much at stake for the league and the Lakers. </p>
<p><i>Advantage: Houston</i></p>
<p><b>SF: <span>Chandler Parsons</span> vs. Ron Artest</b></p>
<p>In case you're new to the show here, we call him Ron Artest, or Ron-Ron, or Crazy Pills. </p>
<p>Tru Warier is also acceptable, but stupid. </p>
<p>It seems like ages ago since Ron Artest was in Houston, but the last time the Rockets made the playoffs Artest was the Rockets' best player not named <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Yao Ming</a>. </p>
<p>Artest also has a habit of playing very well against the Rockets, and Parsons will have to keep him in check tonight. </p>
<p><i>Advantage: Houston</i></p>
<p><b>PF: <span>Greg Smith</span> vs. <span>Pau Gasol</span></b></p>
<p>This isn't much a matchup at all. Gasol is the best passing big man in the game, and the Lakers have run that high-low elblow-block thing with Gasol and Howard to perfection. When Gasol catches the ball at the top of the key, he is able to survey the court and do all kinds of damage with his shot or his vision. </p>
<p>Greg Smith is in one of those interesting situations. This moment is bigger than him. While Gasol is big enough for this game, Smith hasn't proven that he is. Usually this goes one of two ways: either Smith fades into nothing and doesn't contribute at all, or he comes through in a big way and slams on three Lakers. </p>
<p>Pau could have a triple double tonight. Don't be surprised. He got one against the Warriors and now has even more responsibility with Kobe injured. </p>
<p><i>Advantage: Los Angeles</i></p>
<p><b>C: <span>Omer Asik</span> vs. <span>Dwight Howard</span></b></p>
<p>No one has more at stake tonight than Dwight Howard. He's the embattled superstar that asked for this. People forget that even if Howard didn't have a great year, which he still did, the Lakers wouldn't have gotten anything from <span>Andrew Bynum</span> either since he was injured all year. </p>
<p>Howard will have a double-double tonight. You can't stop that. But what you can do is box out and make him work for his hook shots and post-ups. Asik will do that, and those battles down low will be legendary. </p>
<p>Assuming the refs don't call Asik for ticky-tack fouls early and often. Remember, I said we would know if the fix is in for this game pretty early. We'll know Stern made a call if Asik gets called for BS fouls early. The Rockets have no depth behind Asik that can really stick with Howard other than maybe Smith. So Asik going out will cause a cascade effect that it usually does. However, the Lakers are a team like the Grizzlies that are perfectly placed with two great bigs to take advantage of the lack of depth the Rockets have at center. </p>
<p><i>Advantage: Los Angeles</i></p>
<p><b>Bench:</b></p>
<p>The Lakers will play Darius Morris, <span>Antawn Jamison</span>, and <span>Earl Clark</span>. <span>Chris Duhon</span> got some spot minutes last game. I really like Earl Clark and think he can do damage. If Jamison feels like playing he's trouble too. </p>
<p>The Rockets have <span>Patrick Beverley</span>, <span>Carlos Delfino</span>, <span>Terrence Jones</span>, and <span>Francisco Garcia</span>. <span>Donatas Motiejunas</span> might get some minutes if McHale wants to spread the court but I think he'll stick to the 9-man rotation. </p>
<p><i>Advantage: Even</i></p>
<p><i></i><b>Prediction: Lakers ride emotions to 110-98 win. </b></p>
<p>For a Lakers perspective, check out <a href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Silver Screen and Roll</a>. And please be nice if you go over there. I know lots of Lakers fans are Kobe fans, but I know a few LA fans who really love their team and are good people. Let's not dishonor ourselves over there. </p>
https://www.thedreamshake.com/2013/4/17/4233598/houston-rockets-vs-los-angeles-lakers-game-preview-the-battle-for-laArmin Khansari