Game Preview #73: Houston Rockets @ San Antonio Spurs

Point Guard

Hill had a tough night against Devin Harris the last game, so I guess it's safe to say the young buck still has much to learn, although he did play a good game. Still, I won't discount the competitor in him, and I'm sure he badly wants to improve on that performance.

Aaron Brooks, meanwhile, has probably assumed the mantle of leadership of this team with the absence of Yao and Battier. I say rightfully deserved, because he's one heckuva player and PG, and has significantly improved his numbers across the board from last season. He should provide another good test for Albatross.

Advantage: Rockets

Shooting Guard

I hope the injury was just minor and Mr. Ginobili's back to his wrecking ball ways for this game. If he is indeed back on track, our chances of winning exponentially grows. If not, then you know what happened during the Nets game. ::shudder::

Jermain who? Taylor is a rookie who's played sparingly this season for Houston, but has started the last two games and played pretty well. The dude was a scoring machine back in college, so no doubt he can contribute a few buckets. Let's hope he's not the "random unknown guy who always plays well against the Spurs" tonight.

Advantage: Spurs

Small Forward

I'm quite disappointed at RJ during that Nets loss. He had all the opportunity in the world to take over the offense, and he did play a good, aggressive first half. But in the second? He just disappeared. That's really not gonna cut it, Peanut.

Trevor Ariza will give Jefferson fits while guarding him. I just hope that offensively, he won't be as lucky with his three-pointers.

Advantage: Tied

Power Forward

Sorry, Timmeh. I'm gonna have to give the WVATS white box to Scola this time. ::sniff: ::sob::

Meanwhile, I'm hoping that somebody gave Tim a copy of that Dan Shaughnessy article. That piece was a shamockery of epic proportions.

Advantage: Spurs

Center

Dice is pretty much living up to his age, but still has solid games here and there. C. Hayes is a banger and a workhorse but thankfully, not as offensively better as the ex-Rocket Carl Landry. Nobody wins.

Advantage: Tied

Bench & Role Players

Chase Budinger's playing really well of late after Kevin Martin went down, and Kyle Lowry often poses trouble for the Spurs. The Rockets don't really have a reliable bench outside of those two but hey, our bench sucked against New Jersey and RoMaJu, as streaky as he's been might also be out. It's not looking good unless Bonner or Bogans catch fire or Blair turns Beast Mode on... ::gulp::... Yawn plays?

Advantage: Spurs

Coach

Houston is out of the playoff race, but Adelman still has his team playing hard and playing together. Dangerous times for the Spurs these next few games.

Advantage: Tied