Lakers @ Houston

[Joe Joe]

The Rockets took the Lakers to 7 last season without Yao and McGrady for most of the series. After many predictions of their demise, the Rockets sit at 3-1. The Rockets are small, but have decided to play hard and as a team. The Rockets have become a more offenseive team and average over 100 for the first time in I don't know how many years. Yao may have completely sucked at pick and roll defense, but it is even more apparent that players feared driving on him.

Aaron Brooks has taken the lead of the Rockets through scoring (20+) and passing (8+). Ariza, signed away from the Lakers, has been a decent sidekick so far. The guy can't dribble, but he still scores. Battier continues his quest for defense...when he's in the game, he takes out both his opponent and himself. That's dedication to the craft. Scola and Landry surprisingly have not had good early starts. Hayes continues to give up half a foot to other centers, but has done well at stripping the ball.

As far as the Lakers go, they've got Kobe and a big front line. If the Rockets can keep Kobe from being too efficient and under 40, they have a chance. Also, the Rockets as a team will need to rebound. Lakers don't have anyone to slow Aaron Brooks down except for Stern's finest.