<div align="center">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/EJamesX3/prediction.jpg"> [b]KjX3</div> - I fear The Utah Jazz will dominate in the paint on both ends of the floor. Sacramento's frontline may be less active and ultimately less productive than Utah's, who boast a considerably younger and more athletic lineup in the front court. Mehmet Okur, Carlos Boozer, and Matt Harpring are all hussle players combined with their remarkable shooting ability they become extremely dangerous when playing to potential. Running with The Jazz could also become a concern, they're frontline is extremely agile, and are capable of finishing on the break in a multitude of different fashions. This, I believe, will become the storyline of the Thursday's meeting. - I'm going to predict a loss for Sacramento, the first since the beginning of my preview postings, some several weeks ago. I believe The Jazz are firing on all cylinders, and are in the midst of a streak that shows no signs of slowing. AK-47 has returned to practices and has perhaps ignited something within the Jazz roster, who were left for dead just a few weeks ago. Coming off a huge victory against The Suns, who currently hold the league's best record, The Jazz boast as much confidences as any team the league has to offer. It's going to be close, but I'm going to have to go with the streaking Jazz for this one. 102 99
Jazz,so hot right now,Jazz.Beating the Spurs and Suns recently has made them look impressive.However KJX3,I realize the matchup of Webber on Boozer could be a disadvantage in the interior defensively but i dont believe Boozer is the beast you make him out to be.A good power forward?Yes.Elite?At the bottom of a long list of elite/good powerforwards.To semi correct the problem I anticipate adelman will increase Songaila's minutes.Also the Jazz being last in the league in defensive 3pt field goal % can only mean they play poor perimeter defense.Giving them the benefit of the doubt ill assume Mobley wont appear in this game,giving Evans the start at SG once again.This is no doubt an advantage for the Kings and i expect them to expose Utah's swiss cheese defense.Having less than impressive defenders to compete against I expect Evans to have somewhat of a statement game,as if he hasnt had any already.I predict a Kings win by 8,107-99.
I think despite Utah beating the suns and the spurs we'll still beat them. With their perimeter defence being as crap as it is and Peja and Bibby being able to hit 3pts wwell I think it'll prove to much for them plus Utah has a road record of 5-15.
The Jazz are on a roll right now,and coming off last night's win over the Suns,there the favorites to win tonight's game against the Kings. The Kings,well they have to play much better ball against this Utah team.Utah has a lot of potential,and last night was the begining of it.it's rather simple...the Kings need to play solid defense,and make sure the Jazz don't outrun,and outscore them. I'll predict a Kings win here,but it won't be easy.If we can control Boozer,Okur,and Harping,esp Boozer,we will win. Kings 93 Jazz 91
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting GiantMidget:</div><div class="quote_post">Jazz,so hot right now,Jazz.Beating the Spurs and Suns recently has made them look impressive.However KJX3,I realize the matchup of Webber on Boozer could be a disadvantage in the interior defensively but i dont believe Boozer is the beast you make him out to be.A good power forward?Yes.Elite?At the bottom of a long list of elite/good powerforwards.</div> There's no doubt Boozer is among The Elite Power Fowards in the league, and I certainly don't hesitate in ranking him in that fashion. When it comes to complete, all around game at his postion, Boozer easily ranks with the best of them without a doubt. Boozer has the ability to run the break or to finish on the break around the bucket. He can play back to the basket or he can use his solid mid-range jumper to score. He can finishes strong around the bucket and has the ability to get to the bucket against slower defenders. He's a great offensive rebounder and is always a second chance and tip-in threat. He's solid defensively, he's a hussle player, and he crashes the boards. He's very in Efficient and boasts the third best field goal percentage in the league. Just take a look at this guys statistics, or watch the skills this guy displays when he performs. He's a complete player, his game has very few flaws, and he performs consistently at 110% every night.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NBAFan4Life:</div><div class="quote_post">kings could win </div> I Sure hope they do win tonight NBAFan4Life Go Kings
Just read the preview for the game on NBA.com.Looks like this will be Mobley's first game in a Kings uniform
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting PejaForThree:</div><div class="quote_post">Really did christie pass his physical? Bibby might not play so house would have to run point</div> Nope, Christie has not even left Sacramento yet. (He will do so tomorrow). I think that the Kings will win a close one by 4 Go Kings!!!!
Late in the 4th quarter, Sacramento guard Maurice Evans was fouled across the face, head on by Jazz forward Carlos Boozer, sending Evans down to the floor before he could react. Evans landed flat on the side of his head and began bleeding from his ear immediately. He was motionless on the floor for about 2 minutes before he left the court under his own power. I sure hope that Evans is allright and won't miss any time. Boozer will get fined for sure.
I hope evans is ok. See I told you we'd beat the Jazz quiet easily <font size="1"><font color="blue">Edited for vulgarity.</font></font>
The Kings frontcourt absolutely manhandled Utah.Brad Miller decided he'd shoot 90% tonight,going 9 for 10 .What happened to Evans looked pretty scary and frankly it angered me.KJX3, Webber>Boozer as of right now.Was disappointed to see Mobley didnt play,NBA.com was wrong.Overall im pleased to see the Kings win in convincing fashion with bench players as the starting backcourt.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting GiantMidget:</div><div class="quote_post">KJX3, Webber>Boozer as of right now.</div> I disagree. Although I love Chris Webber and he's certainly been one of my favorite players in the NBA for years now, Carlos Boozer shows great potential and he's already putting up ALL-STAR caliber numbers. Their numbers are almost identical, however a few things leap out from each. Boozer is shooting 53.2% from the field, good for third in league. Webber is shooting only 45%. Webber has also taken 75 more shot attempts thus far this season, and he's played 7 less games than Boozer. Obviously he's getting more touches and more opportunities on the offensive side of the things. Boozer's ability to play solid defense at any given time, his quickness, his hussle, and his potential put him above Chris Webber in my opinion. The only arguement you can really pose in this discussion is Webber's passing ability and playoff experience. However Boozer is surrounded by solid passers as Utah ranks 5th in the league in APG, thus the burden of setting up teammates isn't place upon him solely. On the other hand, I don't think you can knock Boozer for his lack of experience as he's only a third year player. When comparing their on court abilities, their potential, and their overall game in general, I think Boozer may have the advantage at this point in Webber's career...
was a pretty agressive game last night Stojakovic almost went to town with someone (i forget who) webber broke that one up but looked veeery happy with Stojakovic's willingness to go to town in that way. Ostertag lost two teeth, had to get 12 stitches in his upper lip and of course Evans catching the flagrant and receiving a concussion along with 18 stitches. Im all for letting teams play & settling things on the floor (I hate over zealous officiating just as much as bad officiating) but this was just rediculous. and as much as I dont like the fact that I felt this way now... at that point, I found myself wishing that Miller or Tag would have unloaded on Boozer like a ton of bricks and just flat laid him out (which Webber almost did... he had to be restrained and pulled away from Boozer following the foul). tough tough game and perhaps Webbers off season comments about playing inner city ball vs suburban ball may be ringing true?
Nice game for the Kings.After playing subpar ball against other teams as of late,the Kings won big time and played like harberingofdoom said...agressivily.The Kings really looked hungry for a win last night and got one. As usual,Peja,Miller,& Webber had great games.even with a depleted bench last night,we got the win.Good going Kings.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NBAFan4Life:</div><div class="quote_post">kings could win </div> correct !
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting harbingerofdoom:</div><div class="quote_post">was a pretty agressive game last night Stojakovic almost went to town with someone (i forget who) webber broke that one up but looked veeery happy with Stojakovic's willingness to go to town in that way. Ostertag lost two teeth, had to get 12 stitches in his upper lip and of course Evans catching the flagrant and receiving a concussion along with 18 stitches. Im all for letting teams play & settling things on the floor (I hate over zealous officiating just as much as bad officiating) but this was just rediculous. and as much as I dont like the fact that I felt this way now... at that point, I found myself wishing that Miller or Tag would have unloaded on Boozer like a ton of bricks and just flat laid him out (which Webber almost did... he had to be restrained and pulled away from Boozer following the foul). tough tough game and perhaps Webbers off season comments about playing inner city ball vs suburban ball may be ringing true?</div> That was the key statistic matchup I highlighted in my preview from last meeting, the technical fouls. I don't fully understand why, but for whatever reason The Kings and The Jazz just seem to have scrappy, grind out style slugfests.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting harbingerofdoom:</div><div class="quote_post">was a pretty agressive game last night Stojakovic almost went to town with someone (i forget who) webber broke that one up but looked veeery happy with Stojakovic's willingness to go to town in that way. Ostertag lost two teeth, had to get 12 stitches in his upper lip and of course Evans catching the flagrant and receiving a concussion along with 18 stitches. Im all for letting teams play & settling things on the floor (I hate over zealous officiating just as much as bad officiating) but this was just rediculous. and as much as I dont like the fact that I felt this way now... at that point, I found myself wishing that Miller or Tag would have unloaded on Boozer like a ton of bricks and just flat laid him out (which Webber almost did... he had to be restrained and pulled away from Boozer following the foul). tough tough game and perhaps Webbers off season comments about playing inner city ball vs suburban ball may be ringing true?</div> Peja got into it with Harpring an McLeod. And, I totally agree with you, Webber shoulda decked Boozer, and the refereeing in that game was horrible. That is the reason that things got so out of hand. I sure hope that Evans is ok.
