Official Game Thread: Milwaukee Bucks @ Houston Rockets GAME: Houston Rockets(26-21) vs. Milwaukee Bucks(26-21) LOCATION: Toyota Center, Houston TIME: 7.30PM PROBABLE STARTERS SF Jim Jackson/Tim Thomas PF Kelvin Cato/Joe Smith C Yao Ming/Brian Skinner PG Steve Francis/TJ Ford SG Cuttino Mobley/Michael Redd TEAM LEADERS Rockets: Steve Francis-16.6 points per game Yao Ming-9.2 rebounds per game Steve Francis-5.9 assists per game Bucks: Michael Redd-22.1 points per game Joe Smith-8.5 rebounds per game TJ Ford-6.4 assists per game ROCKETS' KEYS TO THE GAME 1:Put Redd In The Red-Light Zone-Michael Redd has been one of the biggest surprises in the league this season. He was recently named player of the month and a deserved all-star berth. It will be a tough job for Cuttino Mobley to put him in the red-light zone tonight. However, Mobley has shown outstanding defense at times, and it will be vital for him to do that tonight. 2:Francis Takes Over-After Steve Francis was suspended by the team on Monday, the Rockets were treated to one of their worst defeats this season. Look for Francis to have a huge night as he tries to prove that the team was wrong to suspend him. TJ Ford and Damon Jones could hardly stop the lightning-quick Francis and this could be a long night for this undersized duo. 3:Guard The Three-Point Line-The Bucks are one of the best teams from beyond the arc this season, and it shouldn't come as a surprise. With three-point threats like Tim Thomas and Michael Redd, it would be dangerous to play a zone defense on the Bucks. The Rockets need to get a hand in the shooter's face every time. If we can do that, this game will be a good one to watch. GAME OUTLOOK The Rockets come into this game with a season-high 4 game losing streak. We sorely need a win and it looks like it will come tonight. As long as Francis comes to play and Yao Ming shows some inside prowess, we'll be in prime position to take this one. GAME PREDICTION Rockets 89 Bucks 81
The Rockets have been one a defensive slide, and I know the Bucks will take advantage of it. A 20 point spanking in Phoenix included, but at least Fracnis will play this time. And of course, the Bucks are one of the best home teams in the NBA, and they're red hot. Redd will take over, Ford will probably have a double double in points and assists, and the Bucks take the game by about 9 or more.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Crossover:</div><div class="quote_post">The Rockets have been one a defensive slide, and I know the Bucks will take advantage of it. A 20 point spanking in Phoenix included, but at least Fracnis will play this time. And of course, the Bucks are one of the best home teams in the NBA, and they're red hot. Redd will take over, Ford will probably have a double double in points and assists, and the Bucks take the game by about 9 or more.</div> The game's in Houston.
I just realized that when I looked at NBA.com. I usually just look at the title of the thread and the order they're listed. ;p Anyway, I still say the Bucks by a dime.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Crossover:</div><div class="quote_post">I just realized that when I looked at NBA.com. I usually just look at the title of the thread and the order they're listed. ;p Anyway, I still say the Bucks by a dime.</div> Sorry bout that. I've fixed it now.
Nice Preview. I say the Rockets take this one by 7. If Yao ming plays like he did against me and Orlando the Rockets should'nt hane a thing to worry about. I think the outcome score wise is up to Yao. Rockets by 9.
Nice preview. Unlike the last game without the franchise, it shouldn't be bad at all for the Rockets. If Yao has a big game, i'm sure Rockets will win.
Good preview. Rockets will probably win. Francis should have a good game and Yao should be able to get a few more than he is averaging. Rockets by 5.
I like the Rockets in this one. I wonder if Francis will react the way Shaq did in terms of having a big game coming right off of a suspension.
Guess I was a little off with my prediction, as Francis seemed hungry tonight with the Rockets actually breaking 100 points. Michael Redd was really ineffective tonight. 2-11? Come on. It seems that once people are named all stars for the first time, they forget how to play until the All Star game starts.
How did Mobley do? I'm curious as to whether his great defense was enough to hold Redd back. Thanks guys.
<u>GAME REVIEW</u> Man, what a game the Rockets played. I'm more proud than I can ever be of them. This has been one of their best performances so far this season. Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Mo Taylor had one of their best performances in 2004 and Adrian Griffin showed well in his first game as a Rocket. Yao Ming had a solid 16 point, 5 rebound night; somewhat off his averages, but still proved to be good enough. Francis played with a fire inside him and scored 23 points, passed for 7 assists, and only committed 2 turnovers. That is what we need to see more of. franchise3's Game MVP Steve Francis. Not only did he score and pass for game high numbers, he also proved that the Rockets needed him to win. We need to see him play like how he did last night.
I definitely wouldn't say 16 and 5 are "solid" numbers for Yao Ming. THe scoring is okay, but if he's finishing with anything under 10 boards, then he's not being as effective as he should be.
After Yao's 20-10 stretch, he's cooled down to his previous form. I'm saying that 16-5 is better than 19-3 he had the first game of the season.
