SB Nation User Blog: UofTOrange

GameThread for Memphis Grizzlies at Houston Rockets, Nov 11, 2009 7:30 PM CST

UofTOrange — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:17 -0000

I did a game preview but for some reason it didn't publish. Still trying to figure that out.

Anyway, there is little to no chance the Rockets win this game by less than 8

The Grizz are letting up 112 a game. That's bordering hilarious, along the lines of Roger Dorn fielding ground balls.

GameThread for Houston Rockets at Dallas Mavericks, Nov 10, 2009 7:30 PM CST

UofTOrange — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:42:22 -0000

Let's get it on!

Game 7 Preview: Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks 11/10/2009 7:30PM CST

UofTOrange — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:51:29 -0000

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

GameThread for Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets, Nov 6, 2009 7:30 PM CST

UofTOrange — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:26:25 -0000

Let's go Rockets! Time to get that fourth win!

Game 6 Preview: Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma Thunder 11/06/2009 7:30PM CST

UofTOrange — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:33:41 -0000

More photos » by Pat Sullivan - AP

Browse more photos »

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.

GameThread for Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets, Nov 4, 2009 7:30 PM CST

UofTOrange — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:32:30 -0000

And here comes a big test for the Rockets. Home game against the defending NBA Champions. Rematch of the second round. This time the worst part of that Rockets series, Artest (who I still have a special place in my heart for) plays for the bad guys.

Game 5 Preview: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 11/04/2009 7:30PM CST

UofTOrange — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:26:00 -0000

More photos » by Chris Carlson - AP

4 months ago: FILE - In this May 6, 2009, file photo, Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest, right, has words for Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant during Game 2 of a second-round NBA playoff series in Los Angeles. Artest is joining Bryant and the Lakers. David Bauman, Artest's agent, told The Associated Press that the forward has verbally agreed to play for the NBA champions next season. Bauman said the final details are still being worked out, but could be finished as early as Thursday night, July 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)

Browse more photos »

The Match-ups:

Point Guard

Aaron Brooks - Aaron is having a good season, effectively everything Rockets fans were hoping he would be. Consistently getting 18+ points and 8-ish assists a game. If he can keep that up, then the sky is the limit for the Rockets. Those are bordering Chris Paul/Steve Nash numbers.

vs.

Derek Fisher - Sucks, and that's that. Sorry Laker's fans, I calls em how I sees em

Edge: Rockets

Shooting Guard

Shane Battier - Playing his role as well, or better than he ever has. And that's really saying something. The question is, do the Rockets get him to guard Bryant? Or do they allow Ariza to do it and employ the same tactic they used last time out against Brandon Roy? Either way it will be interesting to watch

vs.

KobeBryant - He's like good and stuff.

Edge: Lakers - It's Kobe Bryant, still the best player in the world

Small Forward

Trevor Ariza - Playing like a great number one fill in. He's more than I expected, and has played through his one weakness, ball handling, by being constantly on the move. Can he keep that up all season? That's to be determined, but color me impressed for now.

vs.

Ron Artest -

Edge: Rockets - Definitely the newsworthy matchup of the night. The Rockets won this battle of the off-season, and I can be a man and admit I was wrong about it for this season (I thought the Rockets would win it starting next year)

Power Forward

Luis Scola - Scola has been up and down so far this season, with the passes into the post somehow seeming less available, even without Yao. He'll adjust to the way the offense is moving though. You could see it against Utah, he was figuring out the flow. Lamar Odom isn't going to start playing any defense on him tonight, so you could see a break out game.

vs.

Lamar Odom - Odom has always been a good player, and LA fits his skill set more than any other team could. He's solid, and can do pretty much everything. I wouldn't trade Scola for him, and Lakers fans might feel similar about the opposite (that would be a mistake though)

Edge: Even - I think Scola is the better player, because he wants it more, but statistically this is a straight up draw right now

Center

Chuck Hayes - Tonight it will be up to Chuck Hayes to slow a potential seizing Andrew Bynum. Since post defense is what Hayes excels at, if the Rockets are to win, he'll have to keep Bynum down.

vs.

Andrew Bynum - Stringing together 20-10 games like he's going to finally live up to Lakers fans hype. Let it be said that no one around here didn't think he could, we all simply stated that until he did it for a season, shut up already. He's looking like he's going to do that, but let's repeat to ourselves, it's been 4 games and the one center he played (Kaman) he played to an effective stand still.

Edge: Lakers - There you go Lakers fans. No Yao, you finally win this edge

Injuries/Suspensions

Houston Rockets

OUT - None

Los Angeles Lakers

OUT - Pau Gasol

My Prediction: Triple OT win for the Lakers

EmptyTheBench likes the Rockets so far

UofTOrange — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:03:18 -0000

EmptyTheBench likes the Rockets so far

Empty The Bench is on board with what the Rockets are doing this year and what Daryl Morey did to make it happen.

Though I do disagree about people not agreeing with the Rafer Alston trade. It was pretty blatantly the right thing to do.

GameThread for Houston Rockets at Utah Jazz, Nov 2, 2009 8:00 PM CST

UofTOrange — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:03:04 -0000

Game Thread for tonight. I should be around for the entire second half for sure. There will be a game preview every game from here on out if at all possible. Here's all you need to know though:

The Utah Jazz suck

Deron Williams is the second best PG in the league

Carlos Boozer doesn't even have the courtesy to stab a blind man in the front, he did that in his back

Interesting fact about Utah, in all seriousness, the women there are insane hot. Not as hot as Texas because there is less diversity, but if you like white women, then you have found your mecca

Ronnie Brewer is good

Kirilenko is still a cry baby

Mehmet Okur can still shoot, but still can't play defense. He also can't hold injured Yao's jock

Jerry Sloan is still on the watch list of potential Anti-Christs

GameThread for Portland Trail Blazers at Houston Rockets, Oct 31, 2009 7:30 PM CDT

UofTOrange — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:24:01 -0000

Sorry everyone, not going to be able to get a game preview up. However, it's the same team we played on Tuesday and got walloped by. This time it's in the home opener on Halloween. I'd expect the best part of the night will be the outfits the Rockets Power Dancers wear. That said, it will be a closer game. Portland by 5

Here is the TSN Trail Blazers vs Rockets preview

As always, check out the awesome Blazersedge