Well, tonight tips off the start of the NBA Season and just like the rest of you I am pumped. One of tonight's games, the Dallas Mavericks against the Los Angeles Lakers is drawing particular intrest. This game is broadcasted on TNT tonight. The game will start at 9:30(CST) Both teams have made significant moves in the offseason this year, so it will be interesting to see how the game shakes out. <u>Matchups:</u> Laker Thoughts Kobe Bryant is listed as a game time decision on whether or not he will play tonight due to knee problems. I think that Kobe will definetly play tonight in the opener. If he does play, I think it will be interesting to see how him and Shaq handle themselves on the court together after the recent altercations between these two. It will be important for these two stars to be able to co-exist if they have any chance of winning a title this year. If Kobe does play, another thing to be concerned about is the level that he will play at. He is definetly not at the level he was last year, so the Mavericks might look to esploit him on defense. <u>Keys to success:</u> 1. Control the tempo - If you get into a fast paced game with the Mavs your odds of winning are one in none.The Lakers must limit the transition offense of the Mavs 2. Get Shaq after early and often- The Mavs dont have a big man that can contain Shaq, down low. Maverick Thoughts Well we all know they can score, and by score I mean light it up. This team with the offseason moves can easily drop 120+ points a game. Their problem like last years is will they be able to play defense effectively. The Lakers will defenitely test the defense tonight both down low and on the permiter. The aquisition of Fortson helps them alot on the defensive side however he cannot do it all by himself. I look for the Mavs to force the Lakers to beat them on the perimeter rather than down low against the big fellow. If you are the Mavericks, you want Kobe to shoot the ball. He has had a rough past couple of months and he is not completly in shape. <u>Keys to Success:</u> 1. Get the game out of the half court set, and turn it into a transition team. Th Lakers can be beat alot more easily in the full court game, not so much in the half court. 2. Force others to beat you besides Shaq Prediction Lakers over Mavericks 98-93 Interesting Fact -Los Angeles has won 25 straight home games against the Mavericks dating back to December 12, 1990. <font size="1"> Note: NBA.com and ESPN has said that Jamison will come off the bench while Sports Illustrated has Jamison listed as starting.</font>
It is important to note that Steve Nash really does look like a girl ..bahahhahahahhahahahahahahaha However,im very excited to see how Walker will do and I am looking forward to watching him play.Malone and Nowitzki will also be interesting. QUOTE _______________________________________________________________ 1. Get the game out of the half court set, and turn it into a transition team. _______________________________________________________________ Dirk is deadly in this situation and may build up a lead by transition 3balls.As simple as this sounds transition threes are deadly and can kill a team quite easily.And by capitalising on fast breaks via Dirk,Dallas will have an opportunity to build up a lead and possibly win the game Then again Shaq has to be contained and this is unlikely.Therefore i can see lakers sealing a victory.
I dont think nash looks like a girl.. anyways say what you want about his hair, hes got more game on and off the court then you so.. ENOUGH SAID
I just heard Kobe said he doesnt expect to play because he is still recovering from that surgery... I wonder if it is too late to change my guesses for the NBA prediction game
Shaq has a huge game in my opinion, expect over 30 points. I however am taking Dallas to win this game. Kobe not being there will hurt too much.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting grizzoistight:</div><div class="quote_post">Will the mavs break 120??</div> It all depends on how well they shoot the ball. When you are a great shooter like Dirk is, some nights you are on and can drain almost every shot and other nights you can't hit anything. There is nothing you can do about it, it just happens. If the Mavericks can shoot the ball well tonight it is possible. You have to remember that LA is a good defensive team and wont give up alot of second shots. So it is highly unlikely that they break 120.
I think Mavs win tonite, but Lakers will take the next three games. Lakers have too much swirling around the team rite now and dallas always seems to start off fast.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting grizzoistight:</div><div class="quote_post">Will the mavs break 120??</div>No way.
Lakers look good.. This is the AARP lineup out there right now Russel ( please dont let him get confident and keep on shooting) Malone Payton Horace Grant -- hes still alive??
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting BallerAK47:</div><div class="quote_post">Dirk has his head shaved again, looking hot Dirk!</div> His head is not shaved.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting King James:</div><div class="quote_post">His head is not shaved.</div>Yes it is. He's going with the buzz look again. The Mavs shouldn't panic yet. They have a great offense that is waiting to explode. Basketball is a game of runs, the Mavs have yet to have one. I see this game coming down to the wire, like the Suns/Spurs.
