<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ Feb 27 2008, 01:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Joey FistPump @ Feb 26 2008, 02:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Welcome to the story of why Jeff Van Gundy is no longer their coach. The Rocket's are the most injury plagued team I've ever seen...It seems like T-Mac and Yao like to play tag when it comes to these injuries.</div> Apparently you've never seen the Lakers. The last two years, we've had key players miss huge chunks of time. As it is, this is a killer for the Rockets. With how good the West is, I don't foresee them making the playoffs anymore either. They're only in the 7th seed, and with how stacked it is out West, they could easily fall out by the end of next week. The only way the Rockets make the playoffs is if TMac plays out of his freakin' mind for the next 25 games. He's got to be absolutely lights out and that defense has to be there. If he's off or the defense struggles, I don't think they have enough offense to stay in the race. </div> The Rockets are the most injury plagued team in the past several years. The Lakers have had their injuries like the rest of the league, but they pale in comparison to the bad luck injuries to the Rockets. As for the Rockets being "only" 7th seed, as it is they are only 3 games behind the Lakers for top spot, and both clubs won again tonight (though the Rockets win is obviously more impressive playing without the big fella). Well, one thing's for sure, the Rockets may not make it past the first round once again, but it's not like the Lakers are going anywhere either. They are better, but championship? Not even close... San Antonio/Dallas are going to win it this year.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xCLAVEx @ Feb 27 2008, 02:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ Feb 27 2008, 01:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Joey FistPump @ Feb 26 2008, 02:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Welcome to the story of why Jeff Van Gundy is no longer their coach. The Rocket's are the most injury plagued team I've ever seen...It seems like T-Mac and Yao like to play tag when it comes to these injuries.</div> Apparently you've never seen the Lakers. The last two years, we've had key players miss huge chunks of time. As it is, this is a killer for the Rockets. With how good the West is, I don't foresee them making the playoffs anymore either. They're only in the 7th seed, and with how stacked it is out West, they could easily fall out by the end of next week. The only way the Rockets make the playoffs is if TMac plays out of his freakin' mind for the next 25 games. He's got to be absolutely lights out and that defense has to be there. If he's off or the defense struggles, I don't think they have enough offense to stay in the race. </div> The Rockets are the most injury plagued team in the past several years. The Lakers have had their injuries like the rest of the league, but they pale in comparison to the bad luck injuries to the Rockets. As for the Rockets being "only" 7th seed, as it is they are only 3 games behind the Lakers for top spot, and both clubs won again tonight (though the Rockets win is obviously more impressive playing without the big fella). Well, one thing's for sure, the Rockets may not make it past the first round once again, but it's not like the Lakers are going anywhere either. They are better, but championship? Not even close... San Antonio/Dallas are going to win it this year. </div> The Lakers are 10-1 with Gasol with 6 double-digit wins. The only loss was when Kobe played bad because he just injured his finger the game before. They just tied the best record ever for a 9 game road trip, and they do have the best combination of empirical offensive/defensive efficiency, all without Bynum. They have more than a chance, you have no case to argue against at least that.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (huevonkiller @ Feb 27 2008, 02:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xCLAVEx @ Feb 27 2008, 02:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ Feb 27 2008, 01:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Joey FistPump @ Feb 26 2008, 02:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Welcome to the story of why Jeff Van Gundy is no longer their coach. The Rocket's are the most injury plagued team I've ever seen...It seems like T-Mac and Yao like to play tag when it comes to these injuries.</div> Apparently you've never seen the Lakers. The last two years, we've had key players miss huge chunks of time. As it is, this is a killer for the Rockets. With how good the West is, I don't foresee them making the playoffs anymore either. They're only in the 7th seed, and with how stacked it is out West, they could easily fall out by the end of next week. The only way the Rockets make the playoffs is if TMac plays out of his freakin' mind for the next 25 games. He's got to be absolutely lights out and that defense has to be there. If he's off or the defense struggles, I don't think they have enough offense to stay in the race. </div> The Rockets are the most injury plagued team in the past several years. The Lakers have had their injuries like the rest of the league, but they pale in comparison to the bad luck injuries to the Rockets. As for the Rockets being "only" 7th seed, as it is they are only 3 games behind the Lakers for top spot, and both clubs won again tonight (though the Rockets win is obviously more impressive playing without the big fella). Well, one thing's for sure, the Rockets may not make it past the first round once again, but it's not like the Lakers are going anywhere either. They are better, but championship? Not even close... San Antonio/Dallas are going to win it this year. </div> The Lakers are 10-1 with Gasol with 6 double-digit wins. The only loss was when Kobe played bad because he just injured his finger the game before. They just tied the best record ever for a 9 game road trip, and they do have the best combination of empirical offensive/defensive efficiency, all without Bynum. They have more than a chance, you have no case to argue against at least that. </div> Strongly disagree. If you've ever seen the playoffs you know that is when a teams true colors shine. San Antonio, for example, sometimes stuggles during the regular season, but once the Playoffs start they dominate. Lakers will be out in round 2 of playoffs if Bryant stays healthy.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xCLAVEx @ Feb 27 2008, 02:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (huevonkiller @ Feb 27 2008, 02:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xCLAVEx @ Feb 27 2008, 02:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ Feb 27 2008, 01:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Joey FistPump @ Feb 26 2008, 02:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Welcome to the story of why Jeff Van Gundy is no longer their coach. The Rocket's are the most injury plagued team I've ever seen...It seems like T-Mac and Yao like to play tag when it comes to these injuries.</div> Apparently you've never seen the Lakers. The last two years, we've had key players miss huge chunks of time. As it is, this is a killer for the Rockets. With how good the West is, I don't foresee them making the playoffs anymore either. They're only in the 7th seed, and with how stacked it is out West, they could easily fall out by the end of next week. The only way the Rockets make the playoffs is if TMac plays out of his freakin' mind for the next 25 games. He's got to be absolutely lights out and that defense has to be there. If he's off or the defense struggles, I don't think they have enough offense to stay in the race. </div> The Rockets are the most injury plagued team in the past several years. The Lakers have had their injuries like the rest of the league, but they pale in comparison to the bad luck injuries to the Rockets. As for the Rockets being "only" 7th seed, as it is they are only 3 games behind the Lakers for top spot, and both clubs won again tonight (though the Rockets win is obviously more impressive playing without the big fella). Well, one thing's for sure, the Rockets may not make it past the first round once again, but it's not like the Lakers are going anywhere either. They are better, but championship? Not even close... San Antonio/Dallas are going to win it this year. </div> The Lakers are 10-1 with Gasol with 6 double-digit wins. The only loss was when Kobe played bad because he just injured his finger the game before. They just tied the best record ever for a 9 game road trip, and they do have the best combination of empirical offensive/defensive efficiency, all without Bynum. They have more than a chance, you have no case to argue against at least that. </div> Strongly disagree. If you've ever seen the playoffs you know that is when a teams true colors shine. San Antonio, for example, sometimes stuggles during the regular season, but once the Playoffs start they dominate. Lakers will be out in round 2 of playoffs if Bryant stays healthy. </div> That doesn't make any sense. If you're going to make radical statements, you should at least have something more specific to cite for your case. You're so vague.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (huevonkiller @ Feb 27 2008, 02:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xCLAVEx @ Feb 27 2008, 02:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (huevonkiller @ Feb 27 2008, 02:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xCLAVEx @ Feb 27 2008, 02:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ Feb 27 2008, 01:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Joey FistPump @ Feb 26 2008, 02:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Welcome to the story of why Jeff Van Gundy is no longer their coach. The Rocket's are the most injury plagued team I've ever seen...It seems like T-Mac and Yao like to play tag when it comes to these injuries.</div> Apparently you've never seen the Lakers. The last two years, we've had key players miss huge chunks of time. As it is, this is a killer for the Rockets. With how good the West is, I don't foresee them making the playoffs anymore either. They're only in the 7th seed, and with how stacked it is out West, they could easily fall out by the end of next week. The only way the Rockets make the playoffs is if TMac plays out of his freakin' mind for the next 25 games. He's got to be absolutely lights out and that defense has to be there. If he's off or the defense struggles, I don't think they have enough offense to stay in the race. </div> The Rockets are the most injury plagued team in the past several years. The Lakers have had their injuries like the rest of the league, but they pale in comparison to the bad luck injuries to the Rockets. As for the Rockets being "only" 7th seed, as it is they are only 3 games behind the Lakers for top spot, and both clubs won again tonight (though the Rockets win is obviously more impressive playing without the big fella). Well, one thing's for sure, the Rockets may not make it past the first round once again, but it's not like the Lakers are going anywhere either. They are better, but championship? Not even close... San Antonio/Dallas are going to win it this year. </div> The Lakers are 10-1 with Gasol with 6 double-digit wins. The only loss was when Kobe played bad because he just injured his finger the game before. They just tied the best record ever for a 9 game road trip, and they do have the best combination of empirical offensive/defensive efficiency, all without Bynum. They have more than a chance, you have no case to argue against at least that. </div> Strongly disagree. If you've ever seen the playoffs you know that is when a teams true colors shine. San Antonio, for example, sometimes stuggles during the regular season, but once the Playoffs start they dominate. Lakers will be out in round 2 of playoffs if Bryant stays healthy. </div> That doesn't make any sense. If you're going to make radical statements, you should at least have something more specific to cite for your case. You're so vague. </div> To put it in simpler terms, if Bryant doesn't get injured, then the Lakers should make it to round 2 of the playoffs, if he does get injured they'll be routed in the first round. Clear now? Look, we can argue about who's going to be good and who's going to be bad until we are both blue in the face, but all I can truely say is that time will tell and this will be an interesting playoffs.
Back to the topic at hand here, anyways. It's evident from last night that without Yao the Rockets' defense is much better. Mutombo brings that shotblocking and defensive rebounding to another level. Hayes also got time last night, and his defense is always valuable. This team won't be worse, rather better on defense the rest of the year but the main thing is scoring when McGrady goes cold. Last night the superb defense and balanced offense was enough to offset TMac's off-night, but things won't always be this rosy. I still think this streak can go 15 games though.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xCLAVEx @ Feb 27 2008, 02:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (huevonkiller @ Feb 27 2008, 02:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xCLAVEx @ Feb 27 2008, 02:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (huevonkiller @ Feb 27 2008, 02:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (xCLAVEx @ Feb 27 2008, 02:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ Feb 27 2008, 01:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Joey FistPump @ Feb 26 2008, 02:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Welcome to the story of why Jeff Van Gundy is no longer their coach. The Rocket's are the most injury plagued team I've ever seen...It seems like T-Mac and Yao like to play tag when it comes to these injuries.</div> Apparently you've never seen the Lakers. The last two years, we've had key players miss huge chunks of time. As it is, this is a killer for the Rockets. With how good the West is, I don't foresee them making the playoffs anymore either. They're only in the 7th seed, and with how stacked it is out West, they could easily fall out by the end of next week. The only way the Rockets make the playoffs is if TMac plays out of his freakin' mind for the next 25 games. He's got to be absolutely lights out and that defense has to be there. If he's off or the defense struggles, I don't think they have enough offense to stay in the race. </div> The Rockets are the most injury plagued team in the past several years. The Lakers have had their injuries like the rest of the league, but they pale in comparison to the bad luck injuries to the Rockets. As for the Rockets being "only" 7th seed, as it is they are only 3 games behind the Lakers for top spot, and both clubs won again tonight (though the Rockets win is obviously more impressive playing without the big fella). Well, one thing's for sure, the Rockets may not make it past the first round once again, but it's not like the Lakers are going anywhere either. They are better, but championship? Not even close... San Antonio/Dallas are going to win it this year. </div> The Lakers are 10-1 with Gasol with 6 double-digit wins. The only loss was when Kobe played bad because he just injured his finger the game before. They just tied the best record ever for a 9 game road trip, and they do have the best combination of empirical offensive/defensive efficiency, all without Bynum. They have more than a chance, you have no case to argue against at least that. </div> Strongly disagree. If you've ever seen the playoffs you know that is when a teams true colors shine. San Antonio, for example, sometimes stuggles during the regular season, but once the Playoffs start they dominate. Lakers will be out in round 2 of playoffs if Bryant stays healthy. </div> That doesn't make any sense. If you're going to make radical statements, you should at least have something more specific to cite for your case. You're so vague. </div> To put it in simpler terms, if Bryant doesn't get injured, then the Lakers should make it to round 2 of the playoffs, if he does get injured they'll be routed in the first round. Clear now? Look, we can argue about who's going to be good and who's going to be bad until we are both blue in the face, but all I can truely say is that time will tell and this will be an interesting playoffs. </div> For one, Dallas, no way. Even with Magloire, they're still too soft. Plus, their franchise guy is the biggest choke artist in the NBA. The Spurs are the only team that worries me, and that's because of all the experience they have. As it is though, if the Lakers keep playing this way, I have no reason NOT to think they won't be in the NBA Finals. Also, keep in mind that the Lakers aren't even 100% right now. Bynum is still recovering, Radman just got hurt again, Ariza is still recovering as well. They're missing key pieces and still dominating games since the Gasol trade. As it is, they still have a better chance than the Rockets. I foresee their run ending here soon and wouldn't be shocked if they fell out of the playoffs completely.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ Feb 27 2008, 01:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (igotask8board @ Feb 27 2008, 12:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>This sucks, but I wouldn't count the Rockets out just yet. The only team I see giving them problems is Phoenix (if they can get it going), and maybe the lakers (if Bynum comes back 100%) Hayes will lock down the bigs. DIKEMBE MUTOMBO It's tough being a Rockets fan, at least Rick Adelman can finally run some more of his offense. I don't think we will get anywhere this postseason (never did before), but I feel sorry for the team we meet in the first round...we have nothing to play for. Remember, it all comes down to matchups come playoff time.</div> Uhhh....what? The Spurs will crush the Rockets if they meet in the playoffs. I don't foresee them being able to shut down Duncan and co. As for the Lakers....they don't have the offense to keep up with the Lakers, nor do they have the talent. If you are going to beat the Lakers, you now have a trio of players to shut down, and four once Bynum is back. If you focus too much on Kobe, Gasol and Odom can get theirs and vice-versa. The Rockets basically have TMac....and TMac. He's the only true offensive threat on this team, and you can't get by like that come playoff time, especially if you play an offensively talented team like the Lakers or Suns. </div> Maybe you are right about the Spurs. I believe we we're the better team before Yao got injured, but now it's close. I think a lot of people are blind if they don't see what our front line of Deke, Hayes, Landry, and Scola are capable of. I bet my friend (huge Lakers fan) $10 yesterday on that Houston-Lakers game in mid March. He wanted to bet more money, but I don't see Gasol giving us problems with Hayes/Scola/Deke defending him. Shaq IS the only ones who can give us trouble. He is getting as old as Deke, so who knows. In 2 weeks we will know. It's just getting annoying how everyone talked down on Yao's game and suddenly we are not a playoff team when he gets injured. Infact, I remember the same thing was said on ESPN when Yao went down last season.
I hate to say it, but the season is over with now....I still think we can make the playoffs, because of our talent and the fact we have an easier road ahead of us in terms of our schedule, compared to Denver, Portland, and G. State....but I don't see how this team is getting out of the 1st round of the playoffs.........which gives tmac another excuse on not getting out the 1st round....which means management might not fault him at all and bring him back again next year.....which means I'd be sick to my stomach. IMO I think the rockets should at least look to move Yao, Tmac, or both of them....that's too much money invested in 2 injury prone stars who have never won anything, are passive in nature, etc.....
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>The Spurs are the only team that worries me, and that's because of all the experience they have.</div> right now I'd have to agree with this if I was coming from a lakers fan's perspective.......
12 more wins to 50. That's highly attainable and I think 50 will probably guarantee a spot in the playoffs, although it might take 52 or more. The West can have 9 or 10 teams win 50 games. Don't count out the season yet; I think TMac will play will passion, especially if we get Utah or Dallas again. The frontcourt has been solid without Yao and it looks like Bobby Jackson will really help the team. He can take some pressure off TMac in the playoffs. 2nd round is still very likely IMO.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (The Dream @ Feb 29 2008, 01:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I hate to say it, but the season is over with now....I still think we can make the playoffs, because of our talent and the fact we have an easier road ahead of us in terms of our schedule, compared to Denver, Portland, and G. State....but I don't see how this team is getting out of the 1st round of the playoffs.........which gives tmac another excuse on not getting out the 1st round....which means management might not fault him at all and bring him back again next year.....which means I'd be sick to my stomach. IMO I think the rockets should at least look to move Yao, Tmac, or both of them....that's too much money invested in 2 injury prone stars who have never won anything, are passive in nature, etc.....</div> What if we take that 4th seed and rematch Utah? Without Yao, I like our chances against that team. Hayes - Okur Scola/Landry - Boozer Battier - Kirilenko TMac - KORVER Rafer - Deron I'm not worried about any team in the first round to be honest. Either way I know it's not going to be an easy series for either team and we have nothing to lose.
yao is a piece of trash. he's in his 6th season and the only thing he's accomplished in the nba is getting allstar votes. **** HIM!
