Alright, the final game of the season on Wednesday would be a collab between all members of the Preview Team. I'll be splitting up the preview into six parts in the format of this preview: http://www.justbball.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49373 Parts Projected Starters Write-Up (PG/SG) Spurs Projected Starters Write-Up (SF/PF/C) Spurs Projected Starters Write-Up (PG/SG) Rockets Projected Starters Write-Up (SF/PF/C) Rockets Keys To Game Rockets Keys To Game Spurs Tell me what you're taking in this thread no later by tomorrow. Then post the parts in this thread before 6pm EST/5pm CT. Include your prediction and one or two lines why you think so. Notes of thanks can also be included. Sorry for the short notice, but let's end this bitch with a bang.
<ul>Keep Everyone Healthy - The Spurs are already assured the number one spot in the West, so the least of their worries is to win the game. But valuable bench players are key to any Playoff push, so guys like Brent Barry, Beno Udrih, Big Shot Bob, Finley, and Van Exel, all who may see big minutes in this game -- must <u>not</u> get injured.[/list] <ul>Tryout new systems and combinations - Playing all bench players helps coaches figure out schemes against other lineups. Coach Pop needs to pay attention to the minute details throughout the game that may effect his team in the playoffs. A first round matchup against the Kings looks likely, and with a point guard like Bibby, the Spurs might throw different offensive players at him. In a pointless game against a not-so-stellar team, the opportunity arises.[/list] <ul>Take the game some-what seriously - This is the final game of the season for the Spurs and Rockets, and this is the last game enviorment scenario before the playoffs for San Antonio. Though they do have home-court advantage and are playing a lackluster team (by their standards) this is their final chance to get ready for the playoffs. Being too arrogant may lead to complacency, and the Spurs will be the first to tell you (see Marbury's 3 a few years ago), playing an extra-game, sucks.[/list] Prediction: The Rockets totally blow them out of the building. Luther Head, Stromile Swift, and Chuck Norr -- erm, Hayes, all dominate. A quadruple double from Chuck, and 16 blocks from Stromile. Luther Head sets new career highs in 3 categories, and Rafer Alston. . still sucks (Yes, I've jumped the shark on Rafer). Rockets: 149 Spurs: 81 It seems another season has drawn to a close, this being the first season of mine on JBB that we've not made the playoffs. Getting owned by Locke and AXB will be totally worth it next year, as it is always calm before the storm. We may have sucked this year, but injuries and crappy role players will not hold us back next season. Thanks for ridin' along the "JBB Rocket Board 'Our team is crap' Train," hope to see y'all during the offseason (we have some awesome shiznit goin' down), and a 50 win ballclub next year.
<ul><font color=""DarkRed"">Get everyone playing time -</font>With the team unofficially in tank mode (although Van Gundy still insists the team try their hardest), it would be intelligent to give minutes to just about everyone on the bench. That way, the team will be able to see how our scrubs do against the competition. Thus, it gives the Rockets a chance to really evaluate whether or not the bench warmers should be resigned or traded in the offseason. I'll emphasize this, Hayes, Frahm, Head, Swift, Bogans, and Brunson should all be getting at least twenty minutes.[/list] <ul><font color=""DarkRed"">Scrubs need to play hard -</font> Regardless of whether or not the Rockets want to win or not, it would be positive for the benchwarmers to play their best and come out hungry. That way, it gives management a chance to really evaluate who to keep and who should get out of Houston. And, if indeed the team plans on winning this game (for the love of god don't!), it'll need the collective effort of all the scrubs anyway so its pretty much a win win situation (ironically, unless we win).[/list] <ul><font color=""DarkRed"">Have a clear plan of what to do - </font>The Rockets season is done; the season has been done a while ago. Thus, the team really needs to decide what they want to do tonight- to just tank this game in hopes of getting a high draft pick or winning this game to end this nightmare of a season on a bright note.[/list] Prediction: Spurs go up by forty points by halftime. Then, suddenly taking out Juwan Howard after playing him for the entire first half, Van Gundy puts in Chuck Hayes who completely blows the competition away. Hayes gets a quadruple double in points, blocks, rebounds, and steals in the second half of the game, leading the Rockets to get within one point with one second left in the game. Head subsequently makes a halfcourt shot and brings the Rockets the win. Swift tears his ACL going up for a dunk over Duncan and is believed to be out for the entire 06-07 season. In the offseason, Hayes is signed by another team after they saw his stats from tonights game. Rockets: 120 Spurs: 119 Its been a great one workin with you guys!
Sorry guys I haven't read the notice right away. Too late for me to contribute. Maybe next time around. Thanks to you all for giving me a chance to become a part of the preview team.
