LOL... all i want is for the rockets to push the series to a Game 7... or even win it so that the lakers can sweep them too LOL Im not too worried about who we face in the 2nd round be it the rockets or jazz (we'll have more trouble with the jazz though)... but i am concerned of who we'll face in the west finals though...
I am actually pulling for the Rockets. If the Jazz can get a W in LA, we are royally screwed because it is going to be very difficult for our squad to defeat Utah in Utah. Deron gives us a tough time each time we play Utah, and Pau is going to have problems guarding Boozer. As for Houston, Yao was our only problem, but since he is no longer available, we can basically destroy the Rockets. TMac gets tired by the end of the game, and Shane Battier can't guard Kobe (then again, who can?)
The Lakers match up a lot better against the Rockets. They don't really have a big man that can give us problems on the offensive end. Not to mention, they're not as versatile. All of the bigs for Utah (AK47, Okur, Boozer) have good inside and outside games. Plus, Okur can stretch the defense and might create a matchup problem against Gasol because of that. In all, it comes down to matchups. We match up much better against the Rockets (in my opinion at least) than we do against the the Jazz. It's unfortunate that the Jazz will probably close that game out tomorrow night at home.
I not really worried about either team. I would perfer Rockets though. And I'm hoping New Orleans beats San Antonio.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lakerman34 @ May 1 2008, 05:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I am actually pulling for the Rockets. If the Jazz can get a W in LA, we are royally screwed because it is going to be very difficult for our squad to defeat Utah in Utah. Deron gives us a tough time each time we play Utah, and Pau is going to have problems guarding Boozer. As for Houston, Yao was our only problem, but since he is no longer available, we can basically destroy the Rockets. TMac gets tired by the end of the game, and Shane Battier can't guard Kobe (then again, who can?)</div> I'd like to disagree. Shane Battier is one of the only players in the NBA who's good at guarding Kobe. However...Kobe can't be stopped, only "slowed down". Although, part of me thinks you're just joking around w/ that. That said, IMO it's pretty close...but Utah's the better team, and if Houston could somehow pull off beating Utah, then the Lakers would definitely have an easier path to the WCF.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Moo2K4 @ May 1 2008, 10:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The Lakers match up a lot better against the Rockets. They don't really have a big man that can give us problems on the offensive end. Not to mention, they're not as versatile. All of the bigs for Utah (AK47, Okur, Boozer) have good inside and outside games. Plus, Okur can stretch the defense and might create a matchup problem against Gasol because of that. In all, it comes down to matchups. We match up much better against the Rockets (in my opinion at least) than we do against the the Jazz. It's unfortunate that the Jazz will probably close that game out tomorrow night at home.</div> Well I don't think Okur has much of an inside game, and AK47 doesn't have much inside or outside game lol, teams are kind of happy when AK47 takes 3s lol. Boozer has both though.
During the past 3 seasons, Battier held Kobe to 39% FG and 25% 3pt. I think the Lakers will beat the Jazz in 5. It could go 6 games if Okur makes his 3's. Also, I think Pau/Odom can do a good job guarding Boozer, while Kobe is gonna torch Brewer/AK. Deron Williams is probably gonna average something like 18/9/5 against the Lakers PG's.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (igotask8board @ May 3 2008, 05:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>During the past 3 seasons, Battier held Kobe to 39% FG and 25% 3pt.</div> Misleading to a degree. Kobe has struggled mostly IN Houston(on the road) against Battier. His numbers at home are much more respectable. Further, in the 05-06 season he played quite well in every game against Houston.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (igotask8board @ May 3 2008, 05:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>During the past 3 seasons, Battier held Kobe to 39% FG and 25% 3pt.</div> Your point? Kobe finds ways to get his boys involved. Because you make him struggle offensively doesn't mean that Houston would've beat L.A. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>I think the Lakers will beat the Jazz in 5. It could go 6 games if Okur makes his 3's. Also, I think Pau/Odom can do a good job guarding Boozer, while Kobe is gonna torch Brewer/AK.</div> I agree here. I'm thinking 5. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Deron Williams is probably gonna average something like 18/9/5 against the Lakers PG's.</div> That's how we beat Utah, New Orleans, and Phoenix. We let the point guards get their points but cut off the rest of the team.
Even if Battier would hold Kobe to 39% FG% and 25% FT%, which probably wouldn't happen. I still think the Lakers would beat the Rockets. Other than Tmac the Rockets struggle to score. Deke, Hayes, Scola, Battier, they are all defensive minded players. The Rockets would have a hard time scoring 100+ points if the Lakers push the pace, and they have offensive threats in Fisher, Farmar, Vujacic, Odom, and Pau.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (huevonkiller @ May 3 2008, 05:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (igotask8board @ May 3 2008, 05:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>During the past 3 seasons, Battier held Kobe to 39% FG and 25% 3pt.</div> Misleading to a degree. Kobe has struggled mostly IN Houston(on the road) against Battier. His numbers at home are much more respectable. Further, in the 05-06 season he played quite well in every game against Houston. </div> Battier wasn't with the Rockets during the 05-06 season. My mistake.
