VIPsports Edge Lakers at Rockets

Tommy · 02-08-06, 03:05 PM

Wednesday is a night for the high-flyers as Kobe Bryant and the Lakers do battle against Tracy McGrady and the Rockets. Bryant is the league’s leading scorer, while McGrady is currently sixth. However, it hasn’t translated into success so far for either of these proud franchises.

Bet Now: LA Lakers (+6) at Houston

Houston is 6-15 at home this year, and 5-16 against the spread (ATS) at home. The Lakers are 12-16 on the road (16-12 ATS).

The Lakers are 24-24 on the year, and on a four game losing streak. If this continues, the team will easily find itself on the outside looking in at the playoffs. Despite that fact, it seems that all anyone wants to talk about is Kobe Bryant’s 81 points scored against Toronto a couple of weeks ago.

Bryant is averaging 35.7 points per game, after averaging over 43 points in the month of February. The problem is, while Bryant is chucking it up 27 times per game, his teammates are stuck watching him. The next highest scorer is Lamar Odom at 14 points per game, and there are only four players in double digits.

Bryant’s assists are down from 6 per game last year, to 4.3 this year. He needs to start getting other players more involved, especially his interior guys.

Houston is 19-29 on the season, but just 6-15 at home. The Rockets have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA this year, and making the playoffs is a long shot, but at least the team is still playing hard.

The good news is that they are on a four game winning streak, and have won four of five since Yao Ming returned from missing 21 games with a toe injury.

When analyzing this team, you don’t need to be Dr. Jack Ramsey to figure out what makes them tick. Tracy McGrady and Ming. With McGrady in the line-up, the team is 19-16, without him they are 0-13. With McGrady and Ming both in the line-up, they are 13-6. Now you know why “superstars” are so important to NBA teams.

The last four games have seen the team get reliable scoring and rebounding from Ming, and very good play from point guard, Rafer Alston, who is averaging almost eight assists in that span. The bench also seems to be adjusting to their roles.

The Lakers are coming off a game last night at Dallas, losing 102-87. Odom was supposed to miss the contest with a ribcage injury, but he played 39 minutes. Houston last played on Monday, so they will be fresher.

Please contact Michael at edge@vipsports.com with any suggestions.

http://edge.vipsports.com

02-08-06, 03:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
Tommy Now go get your shinebox Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sportscapper Island Posts: 15,068	VIPsports Edge Lakers at Rockets Wednesday is a night for the high-flyers as Kobe Bryant and the Lakers do battle against Tracy McGrady and the Rockets. Bryant is the league’s leading scorer, while McGrady is currently sixth. However, it hasn’t translated into success so far for either of these proud franchises. Bet Now: LA Lakers (+6) at Houston Houston is 6-15 at home this year, and 5-16 against the spread (ATS) at home. The Lakers are 12-16 on the road (16-12 ATS). The Lakers are 24-24 on the year, and on a four game losing streak. If this continues, the team will easily find itself on the outside looking in at the playoffs. Despite that fact, it seems that all anyone wants to talk about is Kobe Bryant’s 81 points scored against Toronto a couple of weeks ago. Bryant is averaging 35.7 points per game, after averaging over 43 points in the month of February. The problem is, while Bryant is chucking it up 27 times per game, his teammates are stuck watching him. The next highest scorer is Lamar Odom at 14 points per game, and there are only four players in double digits. Bryant’s assists are down from 6 per game last year, to 4.3 this year. He needs to start getting other players more involved, especially his interior guys. Houston is 19-29 on the season, but just 6-15 at home. The Rockets have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA this year, and making the playoffs is a long shot, but at least the team is still playing hard. The good news is that they are on a four game winning streak, and have won four of five since Yao Ming returned from missing 21 games with a toe injury. When analyzing this team, you don’t need to be Dr. Jack Ramsey to figure out what makes them tick. Tracy McGrady and Ming. With McGrady in the line-up, the team is 19-16, without him they are 0-13. With McGrady and Ming both in the line-up, they are 13-6. Now you know why “superstars” are so important to NBA teams. The last four games have seen the team get reliable scoring and rebounding from Ming, and very good play from point guard, Rafer Alston, who is averaging almost eight assists in that span. The bench also seems to be adjusting to their roles. The Lakers are coming off a game last night at Dallas, losing 102-87. Odom was supposed to miss the contest with a ribcage injury, but he played 39 minutes. Houston last played on Monday, so they will be fresher. Please contact Michael at edge@vipsports.com with any suggestions. http://edge.vipsports.com
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