The Raptors take a tour through Houston in their second game of the Post Air Canada Era. The Rockets look to inch closer to .500 with a win today at home. <u> Probable Lineups:</u> Point Guard - Rockets: Bob Sura Raptors: Rafer Alston Rafer, a.k.a 'Skip to my Lou,' will win this battle, though he may not score a lot of points, he'll be a factor, especially with Vince in New Jersey. Expect the Rockets to pressure him in the back-court, forcing TOs, and hopefully, a fastbreak.. Advantage: Raptors Shooting Guard - Rockets: Tracy McGrady Raptors: Jalen Rose Jalen is the X Factor. If the Rockets can force him to give up the ball, we should have him under control. But this guy can go off for 30 on any given night, so expect Tracy to bring his defense. Tracy, can go off for 40 on any given night, so offensively, there's a big '?' mark on who's gonna step it up today. McGrady can have a big night, and will probably cancel out Rose, so this one goes to him.. Advantage: Rockets Small Forward - Rockets: Jim Jackson Raptors: Morris Peterson JJ has not been consistent as of late, and Morris just pulled a 20 point game yesterday, JJ is no coward when it comes down to it, but Peterson is younger, more athletic, and should win this. Advantage: Raptors Power Foward - Rockets: Juwan Howard Raptors: Chris Bosh The Sophmore sensation has created a certain link with Rafer on the court, as they find each other well. Expect him to take advantage of the slow, and inconsistent Juwan Howard. Expect many back-door plays, as Bosh is a quick, and athletic kid. Advantage: Raptors Center - Rockets: Yao Ming Raptors: Loren Woods One on One, Yao would eat Woods alive, but if you remember, last time these two teams met, Yao was fronted on every possesion. Yao should remember this, and some vengeance will probably be taken. Yao, should have a big night. Advantage: Rockets <u>KEYS TO THE GAME:</u> <ul>Sixth Man Presence. We need bench support to win this game. On paper, the Raptors are more explosive, but we have the veterans, and the two players that may or may not carry us. If the bench produces 20 tonight, we should win.[/list] <ul>Get Yao the Rock. Yao has to be involved, but we can't force passes to him, that would get us in trouble. Swing the ball around, and let Yao post-up, make sure, that he only has to post-up one time.[/list] <ul>Lower the Turnovers. Against the Bobcats, one less Turnover couldve won us the game. Keep em' low, and force the Raptors to make bad passes, and pressure them both defensively and offensively. This allows you to control the tempo, which the Rockets only have done in some 4th quarters of games.[/list] Prediction:The Rockets came off a disappointing loss, and the Raptors with an away back-to-back. Expect the Rockets to be reved up, and the Raptors to be flat. The Rockets will try ensuring that everyone will have McDonald's after the game. Raptors: 94 Rockets: 102
Great preview. Yeah, after the disapointing loss to the Bobcats, the Rockets should be going big this game to try and make up that nights performance. The starters in this game are basically even, with Toronto taking the PG, SF (unless Jackson steps up), and PF. However, Houston has huge advantages at SG and C with McGrady and Yao. Expect these guys to step it up tonight to even the court a bit. What it really comes down to is the bench players here, although right now, ours isn't all that great. Hopefully, Taylor can produce some better numbers in this game, as should Padgett, Mutumbo (after being dunked over for a buzzer beater by Okafor), and Lue. Rockets win, 90-84.
Hey just thinking, if Sura can't keep up with Alston, do you think he would put it Barrett? or just use Lue?
