GAME: Houston Rockets(31-22) vs. Dallas Mavericks(34-20) LOCATION: American Airlines Arena, Dallas TIME: 8:30PM PROBABLE STARTERS SF Jim Jackson/Antoine Walker PF Kelvin Cato/Scott Williams C Yao Ming/Dirk Nowitzki PG Steve Francis/Steve Nash SG Cuttino Mobley/Michael Finley TEAM LEADERS Rockets: Steve Francis-16.8 points per game Yao Ming-9.0 rebounds per game Steve Francis-5.9 assists per game Wizards: Dirk Nowitzki-21.5 points per game Antoine Walker-9.0 rebounds per game Steve Nash-8.3 assists per game KEYS TO THE GAME <u>Rockets</u> 1: Yao EXPLODES-Against the Mavericks tonight, the Rockets must utilize Yao Ming to his full extent as the Mavericks have no big men capable of contesting him. Dallas would most likely put Scott Williams and Shawn Bradley on him. Williams is a muscle player who can create some problems for Yao on defense and Bradley is an excellent shot-blocker, mostly because of his size. 2:Draw Fouls-In Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley, the Rockets have two of the best slashers in the game. We need them to attack the basket early tonight. If they can keep Dirk Nowitzki and Antoine Walker off the court with foul trouble, it will be much appreciated as this will help keep our big men stationed near the basket. 3:Use The Right Defense-The Mavericks are one of the hardest teams to defend. It is hard to play zone on them as they have excellent three-point shooters. A man-to-man defense would not be useful either as Steve Nash is best at driving to the basket. It is up to the defensive specialist Jeff Van Gundy to call the right defensive plays. The bet here is that we can adjust, but if we can't, look to be slaughtered. <u>Mavericks</u> 1:Limit Yao-The Mavericks do not have anyone capable of guarding Yao Ming. They will look to trap and double-team Yao a lot this game. Scott Williams is a good, strong player and he'll be used to guard Yao a lot this game. Look for Yao to score a lot tonight. 2:Bench Players Contribute-The Mavericks have arguably the best bench in the league. Antwan Jamison, Danny Fortson, Josh Howard and Tony Delk are all capable of starting for half the teams in the league. It is a luxury having them sitting on the same bench for the same team night in night out. Dallas will need their bench to contribute tonight. Can anyone say Alternatorz? 3:Outscore-Outscore, that has been the motto for Dallas ever since Don Nelson took over. It's not that they are not good on defense(Okay, they are one of the worst teams on defense), but it's that they are such a dominating team on offense. Averging 103 points per game as a team and 100 points on defense, it's not off by saying the team is an offensive marvel. They have to score a lot against the tough Houston defense tonight. GAME OUTLOOK After winning back-to-back blowouts, the Rockets are undoubtedly pumped up. They face a big challenge tonight. Houston have never had any luck against the other teams in the Texas Triangle, especially on the road. The Mavs have lost only 4 games at home and the Rockets need a miracle to win. We have got to limit the Mavs on defense and come out of the shadow of our other Texas counterparts. I don't think this'll happen as our glorious winning streak comes to an ugly end. GAME PREDICTION Rockets-89 Mavericks-98
You made two mistakes in your preview. The game prediction isn't the Wizards, and in the thread title, you say they're at Dallas, but the preview says the Toyota Center. So where is it? If it's in Dallas, Rockets lose. In Houston, I'd say it'll be a close game, but the Rockets can take it.
^Not true. Location is a real key for the Rockets or any team winning a game. If the Rockets are at home they have the game in the bag IMO. But if they are away they'll have to play some basketball to win it. Yao will have to play extremely well like he does every game and Francis and Mobley will have to make key shots. It's just that simple. I say Rockets by 4.
They're at Dallas, facing one of the best home teams in the NBA, if not the best. I'm calling a win for Dallas here.
It's impossible for the Rockets to beat the Mavs in Dallas. Plus, Houston had never had any luck against Dallas.
Mavericks by 7. Dallas is too good in their arena, the Rockets won't be able to contain Dallas. It should be a good game to watch and close until the fourth quarter.
I think wht will make the most difference is Defense.If Houston play great D,this might be a close game.And if Yao plays great and Steve too,they might win it. But I think Dallas wins by 3-7.
What a loss as the Rockets get blown out, as many expected. Steve Francis gave all of us a scare when he was hit in the face by the ball and was left crumpled on the ground. He got back in time but by that time, it was already useless. His play was also erratic as well, going 3-11 and no free throw attempts for a mere 6 points. Yao played well but was limited to 10 shots. He made the best of them, going 7-10. This was a sad loss as Yao continues to lose to the Mavs team.
