12/9/08 Preview: HAWKS vs. Houston Rockets

The second leg on this year's Texas Triangle tour is a stop in Houston to take on Vakeaton Quamar Wafer and the Houston Rockets. The Rockets come home for the second game of a back-to-back, after losing to Memphis last night. Houston is 6-4 in their last 10, and are 6-3 at home. The story of this game will be how the Hawks contain Yao Ming. Last night, Yao was held to one of his worst games of the season - scoring 14 points, grabbing only 4 rebounds, and giving up 4 turnovers. Expect Yao (a freakishly good free throw shooter for a big man) to come out with his sights set on having a much better game.

The Hawks, meanwhile, are on the second game of a 4-game road trip that will continue at San Antonio on Wednesday and conclude at Miami on Friday. After nearly pulling off a miraculous comeback against Dallas on Saturday, the Hawks had Sunday and Monday to get some much needed rest. The Hawks should be the fresher team tonight, and I expect them to sneak out of Houston with a win.

NEWS

Ron Artest is questionable tonight. If he doesn't go, the Rockets will be without their lock-down defender and starting small forward. If Artest does sit out, look for Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams to have excellent offensive games.

PREDICTIONS

Top Scorers:

Joe Johnson - 36
Yao Ming - 28

Rebounds:
Al Horford - 9
Yao Ming - 10

Assists:
Mike Bibby - 8
Rafer Alston - 7

Ehlo's Game Prediction:
After 2 days of rest, the Hawks outlast a Rockets team that gets worn out near the midpoint of the third quarter. Score - 107-94

Ehlo's Excellence:

3-0

Smildress' Just For Fun Spread Prediction:
(3-0 SU, 3-0 ATS)
The Hawks win so take the moneyline or the 4 points

Solomon Jones Minutes:

12 - Not only will Solo be relied upon to help guard Yao, but Woody will try to give the starters some rest this game.

Famous Rockets:

Red Rocket:

The Rockettes:

R-7 Rocket (Used to launch Sputnik):

THE Rocket:

Johnny Rockets:

The Acme Rocket Company: