Spurs-Rockets Preview

[duncan228]

Scola! :lol

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview?gameId=280330024

Houston (49-23) at San Antonio (50-23)
By MIKE LIPKA, STATS Writer

With the Houston Rockets close behind them in the standings, the San Antonio Spurs may wish they chose another destination for Luis Scola.

The Rockets’ rookie forward - who has become indispensable with Yao Ming out for the season - will make his first start against the team that drafted him when Houston begins a five-game road trip Sunday against the Spurs, who’ve won six straight.

The Spurs (50-23) had held Scola’s rights since drafting him in the second round in 2002, but the 6-foot-9 Argentinian continued to play in Spain through last season. In July, San Antonio traded his rights to the Rockets along with Jackie Butler in exchange for Vassilis Spanoulis - who is currently playing in Greece - and a 2009 second-round draft pick.

The Rockets (49-23) bought out Scola’s contract with his Spanish team, Tau Ceramica, and he has started the last 29 games, with Houston going 25-4. In 16 games since Yao’s season-ending foot injury, he’s averaged 12.9 points and 8.3 rebounds, shooting 50 percent from the field.

His best game may have come Wednesday, when he had 18 points and a career-high 18 rebounds in a 97-86 win over Minnesota. Scola led the Rockets to a 58-38 rebounding edge, aiding Tracy McGrady’s 23-point, 11-rebound, nine-assist effort.

“Every game is important,” Scola said. “You win one game, you go up to the 2 spot. You lose one game, you go down to 7. That’s the way it is and that’s the way it’s going to be from now on, until the regular season is over. We’ve got to be ready for that and we’ve got to know that’s the way it is.”

Entering Sunday’s game, the Rockets are in fifth place in the Western Conference, but only a half-game behind the Spurs, who are in a virtual tie atop the West with the New Orleans Hornets.

While the Rockets are beginning a five-game road trip, the Spurs are the only opponent on the trip in playoff contention, and Houston has won 13 of its last 15 road games, including 12 in a row during its recent 22-game winning streak.

“It is important that we come together and make a stand right here,” Rockets coach Rick Adelman told the team’s official Web site. “… I’m hoping that the guys can see the challenge ahead of us and if we can win on this trip, it is really going to solidify ourselves not just playoffs-wise, but maybe where you end up with the seeding.”

The Spurs have helped their own cause in that area with their six-game winning streak, and have also won 10 of 11 at home.

They have held five of their last six opponents under 90 points, including Friday’s 99-84 win over the Timberwolves.

Still, San Antonio had trouble scoring for stretches against Minnesota, almost blowing a 20-point lead after going more than six minutes without a basket during the third quarter.

“It worries me a little bit. I don’t think we are yet in playoff shape,” said Spurs guard Manu Ginobili, who had 26 points on 8-of-11 shooting. “So we’ve really got to step up in these last nine games … because if not we are not going to go that far.”

The Rockets have beaten the Spurs twice at home this season, holding them to just 81 points both times.

Scola had 20 points on 10-of-11 shooting on Nov. 17 in the Rockets’ lone visit to San Antonio this season, but Houston lost 90-84, as Tim Duncan had 25 points and 13 rebounds.


Gameday Matchup

W-L PF PA HOME ROAD STK L10
HOU 49-23 96.9 92.3 28-10 21-13 W2 7-3
SA 50-23 95.8 90.9 30-6 20-17 W6 6-4

2007-08 Season

Houston leads 2-1
Tue 11/6 @HOU 89, SA 81 Recap | Box Score
Fri 11/16 @SA 90, HOU 84 Recap | Box Score
Sat 1/19 @HOU 83, SA 81 Recap | Box Score
Mar 30, 2008 HOU @ SA 1:00 PM ET

Injury Report

HOUSTON
No significant injuries
SAN ANTONIO
· Brent Barry SG - Mar 25: Day-to-Day

Last 5 Games

HOUSTON
Mar 26 MIN Win 97-86
Mar 24 SAC Win 108-100
Mar 22 @PHO Loss 122-113
Mar 21 @GS Win 109-106
Mar 19 @NO Loss 90-69

SAN ANTONIO
Mar 28 MIN Win 99-84
Mar 26 LAC Win 97-88
Mar 25 @ORL Win 107-97
Mar 23 @DAL Win 88-81
Mar 21 SAC Win 102-89

Depth Chart

POS HOUSTON (PPG) SAN ANTONIO (PPG)
PG R. Alston 13.2 T. Parker 18.4
SG T. McGrady 21.8 M. Ginobili 20.2
SF S. Battier 9.4 B. Bowen 6.0
PF L. Scola 9.7 T. Duncan 19.6
C D. Mutombo 2.1 F. Oberto 4.6

Team Stat Leaders

HOUSTON SAN ANTONIO
Points Y. Ming 22.0 M. Ginobili 20.2
Rebounds Y. Ming 10.8 T. Duncan 11.6
Assists T. McGrady 5.8 T. Parker 5.8
Steals R. Alston 1.3 M. Ginobili 1.5
Blocks Y. Ming 2.0 T. Duncan 2.0

Today's Line

FAVORITE OPEN CUR UNDERDOG O/U
HOUSTON -6 -0 @SAN ANTONIO --
ATS Houston San Antonio
Record: 49-23-0 (.681) 50-23-0 (.685)
As Favorite: 38-14-0 (.731) 46-12-0 (.793)
As Underdog: 11-9-0 (.550) 4-11-0 (.267)
At Home: 28-10-0 (.737) 30-6-0 (.833)
On Road: 21-13-0 (.618) 20-17-0 (.541)

[doldrums]

where is Jackie Butler now?

[duncan228]

http://www.nba.com/features/hou_sas_xsandos_080328.html

Houston vs. San Antonio -- An X’s and O’s Perspective
By Kevin Loughery

The Mutombo Factor
We have two teams that are going to be very defensive minded in this game. It should be very low scoring. One key for Houston defensively is how long Mutombo can play. I think he’ll guard Duncan which will allow the Rockets to avoid double teaming him. That’s huge because if you double team Duncan, then he’ll find the open man on the perimeter, usually Michael Finley, Bruce Bowen or Manu Ginobili. Their three-point shooting really opens up the game. That’s the way they get a lot of easy shots on the perimeter. Bowen even shoots better from the three point line than (42 %) he does from inside the arc.

But it really has been fantastic what Mutombo has been able to do. He doesn’t have to get involved offensively, just play one end of the floor. That is a big advantage. But to be able to block shots and control the middle defensively at his age is fantastic. Remember, too, that he hadn’t been playing much with Yao in there and to stay mentally focused and ready and in condition to step right in, you have to give him an awful lot of credit. And he’s such a great teammate. That’s another addition to his worth to the team.

The Battier-Ginobili Matchup

For Houston, who is going to play Manu Ginobili? I think it will be Shane Battier. He guarded Kobe Bryant two weeks ago and played him pretty well. Ginobili is definitely the key to San Antonio. First of all he’s their best foul shooter so they like him to have the ball in his hands. And down the stretch of games he goes one on one almost all the time. Either he takes it to the hoop or to the wings for an open shot. When he goes to the basket, he’s got so many acrobatic shots. He doesn’t take it to the basket and just try to lay it in. He’ll spin and twist and jump at you. If you look at Ginobili, he’s not an imposing physical specimen but he’s extremely strong and physical. Now he shoots the three-pointer better than average, better than 40 percent. What you have to do is play a little off him and try to push him to his right hand as much as possible. When he comes back left, he’s impossible to stop. So play back a little bit and if he’s going to hit the outside shot, you have to live with that to try and keep him from penetrating. Battier’s size and strength will definitely be factors and his concentration to detail is as good as anybody in the NBA. If they tell him to force Ginobili one way, he’s going to do it. It’s not an easy task, though, because Ginobili is so tricky and unusual to play.

The New and Improved Rafer Alston

When Yao went down and they lost 22 points a night, someone had to pick it up and he has been that guy. His shooting percentages are not very high, but he’s picked up his game. He’s playing with so much more confidence and I think a little bit of it has to do with him being able to get to the basket better without Yao Ming clogging up the middle. Obviously Ming was the first option. To me the toughest thing to do in the NBA is to score when your opponent is concentrating on you. Alston has stepped it up. He thinks it’s his team now. I’m really impressed by the way he’s played. And he’s also picked up his defense which fits their style. If you don’t play defense with that team, you’re out of sync.

It’s All About the Defense

The one thing that is amazing about these two teams is that they have better individual defenders than most teams. The good teams have good team defense, which you have to have, but if you have good individual defenders plus team defense, that is a major plus. San Antonio has basically won with that over the last couple of years. Looking at Houston, Battier is good; we talked about Mutombo; McGrady is not tough, but he can defend when he wants to; Landry has really surprised me as a rookie as a tough-minded guy; Bobby Jackson plays hard every minute he’s on the floor and for good or bad he’s willing to take big shots; even Hayes is good. Scola is another physical guy who the Spurs probably made a mistake on by letting him go. This is a very tough minded team. If you go up and down their roster, offensively outside of Tracy McGrady and now Alston, they’re not really impressive, but they’ll dig in and they’ll play hard. So they’ll pound you, they’ll be aggressive and to do what they’ve done, obviously they have great chemistry.

The Return of Brent Barry

It’s very important for San Antonio that he’s back on the squad. It gives them some power off the bench. With him in the lineup he makes three-point shots, he opens up the defense and he knows the system. And the pickup of Kurt Thomas has helped them also. He can make the outside jumper, he’s got toughness and he can defend. If you look down both rosters, there is no backup center on either roster, so Kurt Thomas can play center some.

Kudos to Rick Adelman

Take this roster they have in the Western Conference and for them to win 22 straight games is one of the best coaching jobs I’ve seen in years. When you lose your best player like they did with Yao, there is usually a real quick decline because the guys get down and start feeling sorry for themselves. Instead, they went and won 10 straight games without him. Houston’s done a great job and Adelman’s done a great job keeping this team afloat.

Playoff Implications

This game is a little bit more important for Houston. Even though they won 22 straight, they can go on a substantial losing streak. San Antonio won’t go on a substantial losing streak. That’s a guarantee coming down the stretch. Houston could because they’re not a loaded team. If McGrady isn’t on, it’s tough offensively. This is a tougher game for Houston especially since it’s going to be on San Antonio’s home court where they’re awful tough. I think San Antonio will win this game pretty convincingly. It won’t be a major blowout because they don’t blow anybody out. San Antonio has a way to play ugly and win, and I guess you can say the same thing about Houston.

[Sigz]

Carl Landry!!

Sorry, but I know his brother Marcus... :)

[boutons_]

Spurs need to kick Rockets' ass the way Pistons kicked Cavs' ass Saturday.

[ducks]

james sucks

[duncan228]

http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/

Probable Starters:

F S. Battier
PPG: 9.4
RPG: 5.1
APG: 2.0
F L. Scola
PPG: 9.7
RPG: 6.1
APG: 1.2
C D. Mutombo
PPG: 2.1
RPG: 4.8
APG: 0.1
G T. McGrady
PPG: 21.8
RPG: 5.2
APG: 5.8
G R. Alston
PPG: 13.2
RPG: 3.5
APG: 5.4

GAME NOTES

Rockets update: Forward Tracy McGrady sat out Friday's practice to protect and rest his sore left shoulder. He is expected to be able to go through Saturday's light practice and play Sunday. "He couldn't practice,'' coach Rick Adelman said. "We'll see how it is tomorrow (Saturday). He was sore today, so he sat out.''
• His second 10-day contract expired on Friday, and forward Mike Harris said he was relieved to know that the Rockets will sign him for the rest of the season Saturday. "I appreciate them giving me the opportunity to stay here for the rest of the year," he said.

Spurs update: The home crowd at Friday's 99-84 win over the Timberwolves went wild when guard Brent Barry (who recently returned to the Spurs after a one-month absence following a Seattle-San Antonio trade) was shown on the big screen. ...
• Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said it will probably be another couple of weeks before Barry returns to the court. ....
• Tony Parker had 16 points in the first half and just two after the break in Friday's win.

[BIG z]

Spurs will win if they establish Duncan early in the game... anyone disagree?

[sandman]

Is it just me, or does each one of those ESPN writers have a Rocket nut in their mouth?

Damn, you would have thought it was the Rockets who had won 3 of the last 5 titles...

[duncan228]

http://www.nba.com/spurs/gameday/080330.html

Probable Starters:

Parker
Guard
18.4 PPG
Finley
Guard
9.8 PPG
Bowen
Forward
6.0 PPG
Duncan
Forward
19.6 PPG
Oberto
Center
4.6 PPG

Injury/Inactive Report

Robert Horry (left knee contusion) is questionable

Spur in the Spotlight
Ime Udoka
"Our goal is to keep the streak going obviously and we want to play well going into the playoffs. We know Houston is neck and neck with us in the conference and in the division so we know it’s going to be a big challenge. We have to continue to build and play well."

Did You Know...
Spurs forward Robert Horry helped Houston capture back-to-back NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995 … Horry spent four seasons with the Rockets and averaged 10.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in 295 games … Spurs guard Manu Ginobili and Rockets forward Luis Scola are both from Argentina and have played for the national team together … Scola was selected by San Antonio in the second round (56th overall) of the 2002 NBA Draft … former Spur Alvin Robertson holds the record for steals by an opponent against the Rockets with 10 on 1/11/89 … the most offensive rebounds in Houston team history was reached vs. San Antonio on 4/13/84 when they grabbed 35 … Rockets assistant coach Jack Sikma set a Spurs opponent playoff record for free throw percentage, knocking down 14-of-14 on 4/27/82.

[duncan228]

http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/Rockets_hoping_to_make_playoff-264670-34.html

Rockets hoping to make playoff push away from home
Houston at San Antonio, Sunday, Noon
Damien Pierce
Rockets.com Staff Writer

HOUSTON -- Despite his obvious affection for his family, Tracy McGrady is looking forward to a few days away from home.

He won't, after all, have to deal with screaming kids for a full week.

"When you're at home, it's all about your family," McGrady said. "You got a lot more energy on the road because you don't put that energy into spending time with your kids. I have three of them. So I love being on the road."

The Rockets are hoping the rest of the trip is just as rewarding.

McGrady and Co. will begin a five-game road trip against a collection of Western Conference opponets Sunday afternoon when they visit Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs.

The road swing figures to be a pivotal stretch in determining where the Rockets will wind up in the Western Conference's crowded playoff bracket.

Before Thursday's action, Houston (49-23) was tied with two other teams for second in the West and trailed the conference-leading New Orleans Hornets by a game.

With one more good road trip, the Rockets could put themselves in great position to earn at least home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs.

"If we win four out of five, I'd say that's true," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said. "It is important that we come together and make a stand right here. But you got to go out on the court and do it. I'm hoping that the guys can see the challenge ahead of us and if we can win on this trip, it is really going to solidify ourselves not just playoffs-wise, but maybe where you end up with the seeding."

The stretch doesn't get off to an easy start.

Before taking off on a West coast swing, the Rockets will visit the defending champions in the Alamo City. Houston has won two of three meetings against the Spurs this season, but lost the only game in San Antonio.

Unsurprisingly, the Spurs are among the leading contenders in the West and jockeying with the Rockets for home-court advantage in the conference.

After that, the schedule doesn't look as daunting. Houston has road games against four teams outside of the playoff race -- Sacramento, Portland, Seattle and the L.A. Clippers.

Still, the Rockets don't expect any of those games to be a cakewalk. The Clippers might even have Elton Brand, who has missed most of the season with a knee injury, when Houston comes to town.

With the top eight teams separated by six games in the West, a brutal road trip could significantly drop Houston down the pecking order.

"Right now, every game is important," Rockets forward Luis Scola said. "You win one game, then you go up to the No. 2 spot. You lose one and you go back down to seven. That's the way it is and that's the way it's going to be from now on until the regular season ends. We have to be ready, we have to play hard and we have to win as many games as we can because if we don't, we're probably going down."

The upside is that the Rockets have been one of the NBA's best road teams.

Through Wednesday's action, only four teams in the league had a better road record than the Rockets.

Houston is 21-13 away from home, having reeled off a franchise-record 12-game road winning streak that ended in New Orleans last week.

"We have (been good on the road) so it's nothing new," Rockets foward Chuck Hayes said. "But we know teams aren't going to just let us come in and take a win. They're going to make us work. The good thing is we bond and come together because we know everyone is against us. We want to come in and prove a point."

McGrady agrees. With fewer distractions on the road, the Rockets star is confident that his team can gain some much-needed momentum for the playoffs away from home.

"We don't mind being on the road," McGrady said. "We kind of get away from family a little bit and have a lot less distractions. We're a great team on the road. We have to go out and get some road kill."

[bigfundamental21]

Great stuff, duncan228. I wish the game started right now!!!

It will be a great game to watch!

BELIEVE!

[boutons_]

"Spurs guard Manu Ginobili and Rockets forward Luis Scola are both from Argentina and have played for the national team together"

Why isn't Fabricio mentioned here?

Gonna hurt pretty bad if Luis has a great game, maybe the difference maker, and Rockets win.

[Princess Pimp]

"Spurs guard Manu Ginobili and Rockets forward Luis Scola are both from Argentina and have played for the national team together"

Why isn't Fabricio mentioned here?

Gonna hurt pretty bad if Luis has a great game, maybe the difference maker, and Rockets win.


BTW Who was the dumbass who traded Scola to a division rival?

That's probably the biggest bonehead move by a bonehead GM.

[Holt's Cat]

Eh, the Spurs broke off a crumb for their weak in-state sister.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

hopefully the spurs will dominate. The rockets streak was great but they have come down 2 earth since.

[mystargtr34]

http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/Rockets_hoping_to_make_playoff-264670-34.html

Rockets hoping to make playoff push away from home
Houston at San Antonio, Sunday, Noon
Damien Pierce
Rockets.com Staff Writer

HOUSTON -- Despite his obvious affection for his family, Tracy McGrady is looking forward to a few days away from home.

He won't, after all, have to deal with screaming kids for a full week.

"When you're at home, it's all about your family," McGrady said. "You got a lot more energy on the road because you don't put that energy into spending time with your kids. I have three of them. So I love being on the road."

The Rockets are hoping the rest of the trip is just as rewarding.

McGrady and Co. will begin a five-game road trip against a collection of Western Conference opponets Sunday afternoon when they visit Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs.

The road swing figures to be a pivotal stretch in determining where the Rockets will wind up in the Western Conference's crowded playoff bracket.

Before Thursday's action, Houston (49-23) was tied with two other teams for second in the West and trailed the conference-leading New Orleans Hornets by a game.

With one more good road trip, the Rockets could put themselves in great position to earn at least home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs.

"If we win four out of five, I'd say that's true," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said. "It is important that we come together and make a stand right here. But you got to go out on the court and do it. I'm hoping that the guys can see the challenge ahead of us and if we can win on this trip, it is really going to solidify ourselves not just playoffs-wise, but maybe where you end up with the seeding."

The stretch doesn't get off to an easy start.

Before taking off on a West coast swing, the Rockets will visit the defending champions in the Alamo City. Houston has won two of three meetings against the Spurs this season, but lost the only game in San Antonio.

Unsurprisingly, the Spurs are among the leading contenders in the West and jockeying with the Rockets for home-court advantage in the conference.

After that, the schedule doesn't look as daunting. Houston has road games against four teams outside of the playoff race -- Sacramento, Portland, Seattle and the L.A. Clippers.

Still, the Rockets don't expect any of those games to be a cakewalk. The Clippers might even have Elton Brand, who has missed most of the season with a knee injury, when Houston comes to town.

With the top eight teams separated by six games in the West, a brutal road trip could significantly drop Houston down the pecking order.

"Right now, every game is important," Rockets forward Luis Scola said. "You win one game, then you go up to the No. 2 spot. You lose one and you go back down to seven. That's the way it is and that's the way it's going to be from now on until the regular season ends. We have to be ready, we have to play hard and we have to win as many games as we can because if we don't, we're probably going down."

The upside is that the Rockets have been one of the NBA's best road teams.

Through Wednesday's action, only four teams in the league had a better road record than the Rockets.

Houston is 21-13 away from home, having reeled off a franchise-record 12-game road winning streak that ended in New Orleans last week.

"We have (been good on the road) so it's nothing new," Rockets foward Chuck Hayes said. "But we know teams aren't going to just let us come in and take a win. They're going to make us work. The good thing is we bond and come together because we know everyone is against us. We want to come in and prove a point."

McGrady agrees. With fewer distractions on the road, the Rockets star is confident that his team can gain some much-needed momentum for the playoffs away from home.

"We don't mind being on the road," McGrady said. "We kind of get away from family a little bit and have a lot less distractions. We're a great team on the road. We have to go out and get some road kill."

:lol wow

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

Tmac is a horrible father :drunk :lol j/k

[mystargtr34]

im sure his wife would be stoked with him saying that

[WalterBenitez]

We are gonna kick those reds ass!

[The Franchise]

These two hours can't go by fast enough!! :hungry: :clap :hungry:

[Kindergarten Cop]

BTW Who was the dumbass who traded Scola to a division rival?

That's probably the biggest bonehead move by a bonehead GM.

I'm with you. I wish that we had a GM that made great decisions like the Suns' GM.

[anakha]

BTW Who was the dumbass who traded Scola to a division rival?

That's probably the biggest bonehead move by a bonehead GM.

Louis = Spurs Dynasty 21?

Suddenly, everything makes sense.

[mystargtr34]

I'm with you. I wish that we had a GM that made great decisions like the Suns' GM.

Is that the mastermind that traded Rajon Rondo for pocket money then signed Marcus Banks to $21 million?

No wait hes gone...

[Harry Callahan]

Is that the mastermind that traded Rajon Rondo for pocket money then signed Marcus Banks to $21 million?

No wait hes gone...

Wow! Phoenix has made a habit of selling off #1 picks and making a lot of personnel mistakes recently. They are having to go with seven guys in the rotation.

Looks like another eventual playoff disappointment this year.

Even better. The Hawks are in a position to make the playoffs. No lotto for that #1 pick to Phoenix as well.

In two years, the Suns will be Meathead Amare putting up 35 PPG and the Suns being a .500 club. Good times.

[Spurs Dynasty 21]

Scola


































my God





























what could have been

[BIG z]

Scola


































my God





























what could have been Can you get over it.....