Houston Rockets @ Washington Wizards Game Thread (1-8-08)

[miller31time]

Yeah, just by looking at the boxscores, Yao dominates the Wizards. But looking a bit closer, Yao has BIG problems with Brendan Haywood (who will undoubtedly get 30+ minutes tomorrow). I predict a sub-par game from Yao, who will get most of his points when Haywood is taking a breather.

[dunleavyjr]

Dwight fouled out while trying to guard Yao. Haywood needs 12 fouls to give.

[miller31time]

Dwight fouled out while trying to guard Yao. Haywood needs 12 fouls to give.

We shall see, but all I know is that when Haywood is guarding Yao, he'll be doing a better job than most when presented with the same problem.

[dobrojim]

in response to the original query...I don't think many here are
underestimating the Rockets. They definitely have the potential
to whup us soundly. OTOH, other outcomes are possible as well.

one interesting thing will be to see how our bench responds after
being called out by the coach and then the next day, having the
team vets step up and say playtime is over. How long the effects
of all that take to sink in is anybody's guess.

[hands11]

Yeah, just by looking at the boxscores, Yao dominates the Wizards. But looking a bit closer, Yao has BIG problems with Brendan Haywood (who will undoubtedly get 30+ minutes tomorrow). I predict a sub-par game from Yao, who will get most of his points when Haywood is taking a breather.

Put AJ and Songaila on him one on one. Go small ball and out run them.

[hands11]

in response to the original query...I don't think many here are
underestimating the Rockets. They definitely have the potential
to whup us soundly. OTOH, other outcomes are possible as well.

one interesting thing will be to see how our bench responds after
being called out by the coach and then the next day, having the
team vets step up and say playtime is over. How long the effects
of all that take to sink in is anybody's guess.

If the assigned seats are done, I would say the effect would be immediate if what we are saying is they don't play well because of focus. Now if it has to do with other things like talent or line ups, then it wont change anything.

[dunleavyjr]

Put AJ and Songaila on him one on one. Go small ball and out run them.

Such tactic doesn't always work. There is no other NBA team who can run better than the Phoenix Suns. Last I heard, Yao led the Rockets to victory in Suns homecourt. He had 31 points and 13 boards.

Yao would love you folks using Songaila on him 1-on-1. Yao would eat him alive.

[nate33]

-= original quote snipped =-



Such tactic doesn't always work. There is no other NBA team who can run better than the Phoenix Suns. Last I heard, Yao led the Rockets to victory in Suns homecourt. He had 31 points and 13 boards.

Yao would love you folks using Songaila on him 1-on-1. Yao would eat him alive.

Agreed. Songaila is too small to be effective at denying an entry pass. Yao would just stand under the basket and put his hands up. The guards would lob him the ball and he would dunk it.

Haywood and Blatche will have to get the job done. If we want to try to make Yao work on the perimeter, we should use Blatche. His jumper has been pretty decent lately, and he has a quick enough first step to get around Yao when Yao comes out to challenge. Plus Blatche has the length to front Yao with some degree of effectiveness on defense.

But overall, the responsiblity to defend Yao will fall upon Haywood. Haywood will get the job done. Don't worry. He has successfully neutralized every good low post man he has faced so far. It was Turkaglu that beat us when we played Orlando, not Howard.

[RickRoll_inDC]

it seems to be that we're only saying that if we contain Yao, we win. how about on the offensive side of the ball? Battier's a good defender and he'll be matched up on Butler, and i'm sure that Chuck Hayes isn't known for his offense, so it must be some solid defense.

still, i'm fairly optomistic about this game. Wood should do fine against Yao. He may not have his usual numbers, but Yao shouldn't either.

___________________

edit: ok, nevermind about Chuck Hayes' defense. after some research, in his last 5 games, the other teams' starting PFs are averaging 18.4 ppg and 13 rpg. while Chuck is only gettng 3.6 ppg and 5.6 rpg and this is all with still 25 mpg.

Jamison should tear it up tonight. Even when Hayes isn't in the game, they only have Scola to play the 4. i'm expecting about 25 and 15 tonight from Tawn.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Washington's SGs are all due.

Mr. 50 hasn't been ThreeShawn lately. Nick Young with his new locker could be due. Mason Jr. even coming off the bench can hit some threes.

Much as I'm worried that AD can't guard Brooks, Alston, or Head; I see that Houston can't stop any of Washington's guards, either. AD can get to the rim at will on the Rox.

Feeling better about this "trap" game today.

[gowiz999]

I can't believe the Rockets aren't favorite in this one. If they were in the East they'd be 5 games over .500. Yao Ming has always owned us in the past as he just hits wide open and fade-away jumpers from 15 ft. I'm sure Alston, Head, and Battier will just stand on the corners hit 3s uncontested all game. I don't think the Wiz will get blown out though since they are at home but it is going to be a tough game. We need one or more of the young guys to step up.

Houston 98 Washington 94

[nate33]

I can't believe the Rockets aren't favorite in this one. If they were in the East they'd be 5 games over .500. Yao Ming has always owned us in the past as he just hits wide open and fade-away jumpers from 15 ft. I'm sure Alston, Head, and Battier will just stand on the corners hit 3s uncontested all game. I don't think the Wiz will get blown out though since they are at home but it is going to be a tough game. We need one or more of the young guys to step up.

Houston 98 Washington 94

The Sagarin Ratings, which examine record, strength of schedule, and point differential, say that Houston is 1.93 points better than us. However, the homecourt advantage is worth 2.57 points. So we should win the game by 0.64 points.

And I might add that much of Houston's performance took place with McGrady on the roster. Presumably, they are worse without McGrady which should give us an additional advantage.

[dobrojim]

I just hope that they don't start with the defensive mindset
of doubling Yao and leaving shooters open behind the arc.
I'd rather Yao gain Mo then leave shooters alone. They can
alway adjust if needed. Just try to stay in Yao's face and
make him hit contested shots.

[BigA]

It seems lately the Wizards have either taken care of the not-so-good teams or been killed by the elite teams. Houston should be about the same level.

Rockets presumably better because they are .500 in the West, but the Wizards have home court.

Wizards missing their best player, Rockets missing their 2nd best.

[xcomputerman]

I just hope that they don't start with the defensive mindset
of doubling Yao and leaving shooters open behind the arc.
I'd rather Yao gain Mo then leave shooters alone. They can
alway adjust if needed. Just try to stay in Yao's face and
make him hit contested shots.

The Rockets offense this season is a lot more sophisticated than just having shooters camp out for wide open shots. If you concentrate solely on Yao then Bonzi, Rafer and Aaron Brooks will have a field day rolling to the basket and running layup drills. The Wizards should be much more concerned about defending the high pick and roll and not getting mauled on the offensive glass, which the Rockets have suddenly become extremely good at this year.

[miller31time]

We now rank 18th in defensive efficiency. That's close to average!

"The Washington Wizards...close to average in defense"

I can get used to that.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Without looking I'm sure the Wizards are better than average defensively when Daniels isn't the PG.

They're unfortunately against many teams much less efficient offensively when AD isn't the PG.

I think the Wizards with, for instance, Wilks at PG are better than average defensively.

[JonoMike13]

I think the Wizards with, for instance, Wilks at PG are better than average defensively.

For all 8 minutes?

[DraftBoy10]

-= original quote snipped =-



I think one thing about scalping is that like eBay perhaps, have
a price in mind that you're willing to pay and stick to it. Be prepared
to miss the game if it comes to that.

I wonder how much I would have to be offered to sell my
tickets for BOS... a bunch more than face value that's for sure.
That's going to be a huge game for us.

I'm sure the players feel they owe BOS. Whether that ends up
being wishful thinking remains to be seen.

Owe Boston what? A beating?

You guys won't be able to beat the Celtics. I don't mind you hyping up an anticipated game, but you will lose and we all know it. Hate to burst the bubble, but it's just how it goes. Now, if it's a competitive game with a rivalry were W's toss around side to side as much as L's, that's cool. But you guys are nothing compared to the Boston Celtics.

[Wizards2Lottery]

You guys will definetly beat the Celtics.

YEah I agree