GAME: <font color="red">Houston Rockets</font> At <font color="blue">Detroit Pistons</font> LOCATION:Palace Of Auburn Hills, Detroit TIME:8:00PM EST BROADCASTER:TNT <font color="red">Key Matchups</font> Matchups- Center To Small Forward by Trip Center vs <font color="red">Yao Ming</font> VS <font color="blue">Ben Wallace</font> In Yao Ming and Ben Wallace, we have arguably the most dynamic matchup of the game. Yao Ming is a 7-6 soft-shooting center, while Wallace is a power forward-transformed-center who looks very small next to Yao. However, don't let Wallace's lack in height fool you. Big Ben is one of the best post defenders in the NBA and won't settle with less than 3 blocked shots and 15 rebounds each game. The big question here remains the fact whether Yao can overcome Wallace's stifling defense. In his last game against Detroit, Yao Ming exploded for the first 20-20 game of his career with 22 points and 20 rebounds. If he can carry that performance out again, there will be no doubt that the Rockets would leave the Palace of Auburn Hills victors. Power Forwards vs <font color="red">Juwan Howard</font> VS <font color="blue">Rasheed Wallace</font> This position is one of the strongest ones for both teams. The starters for these teams, though, have a gap in skill between them. Rasheed Wallace had one of his best seasons last year after winning a championship, and got paid well for it with a big extension. Howard, meanwhile, despite a good albeit quiet 2003-2004 season, is not as good as Sheed. Wallace has more range than Howard, and expect him to take advantage of it, drawing Howard away from the hoop to free up space for the Pistons guards to drive. Howard has to be smart on defense as Wallace is not afraid to jack up one three after another. The Pistons will have an advantage on hand if Wallace goes for his usual 18 and 9. Small Forwards vs <font color="red">Jim Jackson</font> VS <font color="blue">Tayshaun Prince</font> Jim Jackson and Tayshaun even each other out in a matchup situation; they are both excellent outside shooters and good defenders. The only difference between them is that Prince relies more on his long arms and god-given athleticism to excel on defense, while Jackson is more physical and with a 35-year old body, has to rely more on his veteran smarts to hold his opponent to a below-average performance. If both play their games and do well on team defense, there will not be a true advantage for either teams at the small forward spot. Matchups- Shooting Guard To Sixth Man by Shooter Shooting Guard vs <font color="red">Tracy McGrady</font> VS <font color="blue">Richard Hamilton</font> Welcome to the new era of shooting guard for the Houston Rockets. Rockets fans and employees have been waiting for the debut of newly-acquired Tracy McGrady, and that day has arrived. Not since the days of Clyde ?The Glide? Drexler have the Rockets had such a powerhouse at the 2-guard spot. McGrady is the perfect complement to center Yao Ming, as his scoring, passing and defense will fit in to the Rockets system. McGrady will have a tough time finding seams through the vaunted Pistons defense; however his length and height will enable him to find passing angles and scoring routes that the Rockets haven?t had at a backcourt spot in some time. Pistons? guard Rip Hamilton enjoyed a breakout season last season. Hamilton averaged a steady 17 points/game last season, along with four assists a game. You can expect that his constant movement on offense will tire McGrady out at some point, but Hamilton will also have to deal with Tracy?s length and athleticism as well. The matchup should be very entertaining as two superior athletes go at it head-to-head. Although both are evenly talented, I give the edge to Houston due to Tracy?s versatility and height on both ends as Hamilton is not a noted defender. Advantage: Rockets Point Guard vs <font color="red">Charlie Ward</font> VS <font color="blue">Chauncey Billups</font> The Rockets? will likely go with Van Gundy disciple Charlie Ward as a starter. Ward is a steady, veteran ballhandler who plays aggressive defense and was among the league leaders with a 40% clip from 3-point range. He will never try to do more than he can and he knows how to run a basketball team. His job will be simple: try and stop last season?s Finals MVP Chauncey Billups, who unanimously won the matchup against the Lakers? Gary Payton in last years Championship series. Billups is the man who makes the Pistons? motor run. He is a very physical, bulldog-type point guard who has a knack for scoring in clutch moments of the game. He plays very tight defense, using his size and strength to bully opponents, and he also can hit the 3-pointer efficiently. However, he tends to get too shot happy from 3-point range so it is possible he can shoot the Pistons out of a game, but it is highly unlikely. Advantage: Pistons Sixth Man vs <font color="red">Maurice Taylor</font> VS <font color="blue">Antonio McDyess</font> The Rockets? claim one of the best sixth men in the NBA in power forward Maurice Taylor. Taylor averaged 11.5 points/game and 5 boards/game in only 27 minutes off the pine last season. While his detriments as a rebounder and defender have been noted, there is no questioning his offensive ability and his knack for sparking an offense that seems to hit the wall one too many times during a game. His job fits that as a sixth man: to come in and change the pace of the game and that?s what he does. The Pistons will likely go with newly acquired forward Antonio McDyess as their sixth man. He appears to be healthy and played well during the preseason. When healthy, he is a strong scorer and rebounder, capable of 10-12 points and 4-6 boards off the bench in consistent time. He will have trouble guarding the more quicker Taylor due to his many knee surgeries. Advantage: Rockets Keys To The Game KEYS TO THE GAME-Rockets by SupraJames 1. First to 80 wins.- In a showdown between two defensive oriented teams, don't expect buckets to come easy and the Rockets better come out gunning and making those shots early because as the game gets drawn up, the superior defensive team will win and, sadly to say, the Rockets are a notch under Detroit in terms of defense. 2. Tmac must produce.- Not only will he be guarded by defensive specialist Tayshaun Prince, but the Pistons' interior defense is stingier than Bill Gates. Tmac must get going in the game and score at least 20 points. If Tmac does well, it will help him build momentum as the season starts and accelerate his playing adjustment with his new teammates. 3. Execute plays.- Playing Detroit as the season opener may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. The Pistons play excellent half court defense and the Rockets need to "gel" together as a team early on in the season. Playing against a tough defense like this will help the Rockets toughen up for games to come. Keys To The Game-Pistons by Hunter 1. Control the tempo.- The Pistons were successful last year with good defense and patience on offense. This game should be no exception and why change something that works. They need to run their offense and look for their shots(Hamilton off screens, etc.) The Pistons do not want a full court game, SLOW and in control with good defense is how they are successful. 2. Control the paint early.- Look for the Rockets to feed Yao early to eastablish his presence and pick apart the defense inside out. They cannot let Yao establish himself down low early. Wallace needs to control the paint early to get them off to a good start. If they can control the paint early, look for the Pistons to establish a lead and control the game. 3. Play the Rockets like they played the Lakers last year.- It took 82 games and 3 playoff series before someone finally figured out how to stop the Lakers. The Pistons need to play the Rockets like they did the Lakers. Play tight defense on T-MAC and get in his bubble. If they can force other players to make shots and to take over the game then they have a great shot of winning the game. Game Outlooks Trip's Prediction Defense meets defense in this matchup. While the Rockets' big duo McGrady and Yao aren't really cohesive yet as new partners, they will have to step up tonight if the Rockets are to win. McGrady has to be willing to defend and fight off the many picks that Hamilton will get, and Yao has to be strong against Ben Wallace's strong, physical defense. If both of these players do well and their supporting cast show up offensively and defensively, I can see the Rockets taking this game over the defending champions in an ugly defensive showdown. <u>Predicted Score</u> Rockets over Pistons, 88-81 Shooter's Prediction I think the Pistons will have difficulty guarding both Yao and Tracy this time. The Rockets have more options offensively and better shooters among their rotation. Also, with the addition of Mutombo and Howard, as well as a stronger Yao, the Pistons will not be able to get as many easy baskets outside. That means they will have to beat the Rockets from the outside, which I don?t see happening since Larry Brown loathes the 3-point shot. They are both strong teams defensively but the difference will be the Rockets? versatility on offense. <u>Predicted score</u> Rockets 84 Pistons 79 SupraJames's Prediction Detroit is just the better team right now. They've been playing together for a year, won a championship, and plays suffocating defense. To be honest, if we can score more than 70 points with our relatively new lineup, I'd be quite happy. Especially since it's against the reigning NBA champions. <u>Predicted Score</u> 74 - 68 Detroit. Hunter's Prediction The Pistons are simply too good for us to beat. Yao hasn't had the best preseason and if the Pistons can control the tempo and keep TMAC from exploding, look for them to win the season opener. <u>Predicted Score</u> 72-68 Pistons <font size="-2">This preview was a joint production from the Rockets forum posters. For the rest of the regular season, each of us four will try our best to bring you informative previews similar to this one. Thank you for your support in helping us make this forum the most active one on JBB. Thank you- Rockets Preview Team (Trip, Shooter, SupraJames and Hunter)</font>
I take the Pistons over the Rockets. Rockets- 74, Pistons- 80. Also, it seems as if Maurice Taylor is going to be starting over Howard. Here is the link to confirm that. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Head coach Jeff Van Gundy told the Houston Chronicle that Maurice Taylor will start at power forward over Juwan Howard in the Rockets' season opener Tuesday against the Pistons. Taylor posted an average of 10 points and three rebounds in the preseason, while Howard averaged 10 points and six boards.</div> <div align="center">Link</div>
Prediction: Detroit 83 Houston 74 The game will be close through out the first half with Pistons going in with a 1-5 point advantage. The Game becomes closer in the 3rd with Houston tying the game on a few occasions, led by T-Mac. The Pistons however, pull away in the 4th, having a lead up to 11 points, and come up with a 9 point victory. Player of the Game: Richard Hamilton- 21 Points, 6 Assists, 3 Rebounds Yao's line : 9-16 FGM-FGA, 4-8 FTM-FTA, 22 Points, 12 Boards, 2 blocks in 34 minutes T-Macs line: 11-23 FGM-FGA, 31 Points.
Well, that information wasn't made avaliable to us when we wrote the preview, so we can't help making Howard the starting power forward because he seemed to be the incumbent. Apparently, Taylor is starting because Van Gundy wants his range to draw Rasheed Wallace from the hoop and give Yao space down low. However, there is also talk about him starting because Van Gundy wanted to showboat him so that he would seem more attractive to other teams when Taylor is to be traded. Whatever the reason, I don't think this affects the Rockets' performance as a whole.
Prediction: Pistons win. Nice preview by the way. I can definately see the bias in it, but any true fan is blinded by bias. Pistons didn't play too well in preaseason but you could tell that when the starters were on the floor that we still had it. The beginning of the game will probably be rough for both teams but will get better as the game progresses.
Prediction: Rockets, a close one, Pistons take the lead early in the game, but Rockets come back in the 4th to win. matchups: C:Ben Wallace wins. PF: Rasheed Wallace wins. SF: Tie. SG: Tracy McGrady wins. PG: Chauncey Billups wins. To me its a bit unbalanced, Rockets do not have a solid PF or PG.
The Pistons will be fired up and will probably win this game.But if the Rockets want to compete they ae going to have to beat the Pistons on the perimeter,because inside,the Pistons are two good. Mcgrady will gave to shoot well along with,Jim Jackson,Tyrone Lue,Eric P. and the rest of the Rocket supporting cast.It would also benifit Yao if he looked to shoot the 10-15 foot jumper througout the game. EDIT-My bad on listing Eric Piatkwoski,forgot he ws traded.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Silky Smooth:</div><div class="quote_post">Eric P.</div>Piatkowski is now with the Bulls. He was traded along with Mike Wilks and Adrian Griffin for Dikembe Mutombo. Other than that, you were pretty much on point.
Rockets 87 Pistons 93 Dont expect this to be the lock-down defensive game we were used to seeing last year. This is a new Rockets team, even though defense will be the main focus, don't expect a 70 point performance by the Pistons (unless they wanna prove me wrong?). Rockets do not have the chemistry going, but T-mac and Yao both know they got something to prove. This game shouldn't be a blowout, and the game rests squarely on the bench. If J Howard, Lue, and our 8th man, be that Boki, Gaines, Bowen or Barrett, get outplayed, this game is over. Rockets should keep it even until the third quarter, where I think Yao will grow tired. Expect the T-mac show to come to town in Detroit, during the 4th quarter. Yao vs. Wallace: This shouldn't be close, Yao won't have a 40 point game, but don't expect anything under 15. Advantage: Rockets Taylor vs. Wallace: This shouldn't be as far-fetched either, but 'Sheed can match Taylor shot for shot, and can out-rebound him. Advantage: Pistons Jackson vs. Prince: Prince, will get open often, and his long arms, and deadly 3 point shot will leave JJ in tough positions. JJ though, can bulk Prince up, and use his experience to maybe foul him out of the game. Advantage: Tie -- could go to Prince McGrady vs. Hamilton: The matchup can be decided right here, Rip is explosive, but McGrady can handle him. Defensively, both are solid, not extraordinary, but good enough. Don't be suprised to see JJ play SG during the game. Both should score around the same, but I see T-mac with the advantage here. Ward vs. Billups: He didn't win Finals MVP for nothing -- Billups is the man for the Pistons right now. He consistently burned Payton down the court, but when the Lakers used Bryant against him, it was effective. Expect JJ or T-mac to play him hard. Ward is nothing special, he will get his butt handed to him. Advantage: Pistons. Rockets Bench vs. Pistons Bench:Even here, both teams' bench lost some things, Lindsey Hunter vs. Tyronn Lue is key here, as well as J Howard vs. Antonio McDyess. Advantage: Rockets It seems the Rockets are a good match-up against the Pistons, but.. Chemistry is what the Pistons have.. Game could go either way, but Detroit will have a huge fan-base, and will be fired up -- as they get their rings today. Rockets have a chance, but Yao has to be 100% if this game is going to us. Wow, I wrote a lot.. but I'm bored, so there you guys go. Please dont hold me accountable for the bad predicting , and this is just my opinion. Just my 2 cents.
I hope the Rockets can pull this one out, T-Mac is the man I hope he has a good game and Yao is going to be shut down this game, Ben Wallace IMO should've been defensive player of the year last year but Artest took it, Big ben is the best defender in the game. My prediction, Rockets 88-77, T-Mac has a 35-40points.
I can see why you guys are preditcing the Rockets to win but do you really think an inexpierenced duo playing with a team that has minimal depth can beat the defending world champions on thier home floor on the day they are getting thier championship rings and banner infront of thier home crowd? And this is virtually the same team that won the championship minus Okur but with the addition of Mcdyess. Rockets have a slim chance to win this one. They won;t get thier first win till they face the Raptors tommrow.
we're on like some 15-0 run ever since i came to watch. Detroit r bricking their shots and boki proved me wrong so far he's playing real well 2 swishes from downtown and great overall play Hou 25 detroit 22. dik is amazing..in the defensive end and rebounding..and btw mcdyess got ejected for technical kick ball. So far so good..boki is playing this game like its his last
Wow, I don't know about y'all but I'm very disappointed with Houston's defensive rebounding(or lack thereof). Do you think this is a personell problem or something to do with the team still working on good chemistry? <div class="quote_poster">Quoting drm2dnk:</div><div class="quote_post">..and btw mcdyess got ejected for technical kick ball.</div> Yeah I was surprised to see McDyess blow up. Man, someone needs to body up with Big Ben, he's got the oddly hot hand tonight.
WE WON!!! the 1st half by a buzzer beater from charlie ward!! basically the refs have controlled this match from calling everything a foul ..let's hope detroit keeps it bricking until the end
My god, these people must've been calling the Bull-Jazz Finals Series.. Anything for the home team (Jazz in particular) gets called. Lue and Deke get mauled, nothing. Man.. this is insane. Boki is doing well.. Yao and Tracy already have 3 fouls. Thats total bs.
