<font size="5">VS</font> <font color="Navy">Who: New Jersey Nets VS. Golden State Warriors When: 7:30 PM ET January 7th, 2005 Where: Continental Airlines Arena, New Jersey TV: Yes, FSBay, NBALP</font> <u><font size="4">Projected Starters</font></u> <font size="1">(Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson, Nenad Krstic, Jason Collins)</font> <font size="1">(Speedy Claxton, Jason Richardson, Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy, Clifford Robinson)</font> <u><font size="4">Key Matchup</font></u> Vince Carter and Jason Richardson are two players mostly known for their dunking. They are the key match-up in this game because both of these players have the ability to break open a game with their strong offensive games. Both of these players have won the Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk Contest and look to battle it out in this game. Watch for these two stars to lead their team and be the reasons for there team's performance. Here is how their stats match-up. <u>SEASON STATISTICS</u> Vince Carter- 17.5 PPG 3.9 RPG 3.2 APG 41.2 MPG Jason Richardson- 20.8 PPG 6.3 RPG 3.4 APG 37.3 MPG <u><font size="4">My Prediction</font></u> This should be an awesome game between two of the best dunkers in the NBA. The Nets need to contain Troy Murphy and Clifford Robinson because these two are capable of putting up good numbers. I think the Nets will win this game because Richard Jefferson, Vince Carter, and Jason Kidd will play great and lead us to victory. I think Carter will score 26 points and Kidd will have 8 assists. <font color="Navy">I think the Nets will win this game 94-87. GO NETS!</font> <u><font color="Navy"><font size="3">Crossover3's Predicted Score</font></font></u> <font color="Navy">Nets-94</font> <font color="Orange">Warriors-87</font>
This team can score and has been playing better lately. However, Jason Richardson has sat out the last few games with a sprained left ankle and I'm unsure if he will play tomorrow night. Calbert Cheaney has been playing in for him and has been productive. Troy Murphy and Cliff Robinson aren't the conventional big men as they like to shoot jumpers, but Troy can rebound with the best of them and Cliff defend with the best of them. In addition, Troy is one of the top ten best offensive rebounders in the league which will hurt the Nets tommorrow night. If anything, the best the Nets can do is try to limit Troy's production. If Troy gets cleaning the offensive boards, it could mean the end of the Nets. It is the match up with Troy I worry the mos,t because a lot of teams underestimate him. For Cliff, Collins or Krstic just needs to keep with him to prevent him hurting us from deep. Moreover, if he covers Krstic, he'll have his hands full because of Cliff's good defense even at his age. Krstic has to be cool-headed from picking up silly fouls out of frustration. Speedy Claxton should really test Jason Kidd's knee. He's fast and he's been playing a lot better of late. His assist numbers are up and his shooting efficiency as well. However, I do expect a lot of post up from Kidd because he's half a foot taller. Derek Fisher is also a guy I worry about because he'll cover Kidd and probably flop his way for a Kidd to be in foul trouble. In addition, if the game gets close, I believe it's evident that he will need to be covered. Perhaps even more than that. The matchup we should exploit is the RJ-Mike Dunleavy one. RJ's faster and Dun's a bad defender and a streaky shooter. RJ should look to drive past him each time and not settle for shooting over him. Whether or not Calbert starts or not, the Nets will need to make sure they cover him cause efficient catch and shoot midrange game. The bench matchup is going to be difficult. Pietrus, in my opinion, is one of the best wing defenders in the league. He has a great combination of strength, speed, and quickness. I think he would be able to keep up with Rodney. Moreover, I think Pietrus will be inserted in the game to cover RJ or Carter, which would make it different for them to score. Carter might be pestered much because of his ankle that seemed to affect him last game and with a defender as good as Pietrus it's only going to limit him more. All in all, the Nets NEED to pull out on this one. This is a must win game. The Warriors, though getting better is one of the worst teams in the league and they'll need big production and teamwork to win. A focused offense and defense with consistent bench help will win this game. To me, not only do the Nets have to win, they must do convincingly to show that this team is off in the right direction. The Carter era, though much more enjoyable watching, has been underachieving and disappointing thus far and as a Net fan I need to know if this team is more than just a highlight reel.
The nets really need to win this game... They are falling hard from playoff picture and nets does have a chance to win if they can score
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Purple Fever:</div><div class="quote_post">Hope the Nets lose this one. Anyhow, I don't think VC averages 41.2 MPG!</div> Don't troll, he does on the Nets, but overall he doesn't
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">nets does have a chance to win if they can score</div> Not to be rude, but that's a Magic Johnson comment right there.
