Playoff Game #3: Lakers at Rockets

I think everyone expects the Lakers to take this series. I wouldn't be so sure.

Yao Ming is still a force, almost as much as Kobe. If the Rockets were to gel as a team, this could become a rather huge upset. Beating the Lakers in LA isn't necessarily a cake walk. And the Rockets have done it once.

Key Players:

• Kobe Bryant averages 26.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists for the Lakers.
• Yao Ming average 19.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists for the Rockets.
• P. Gasol averages 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists for the Lakers.
• R. Artest averages 17.1 points, 5.2 boards, and 3.3 dishes for the Rockets.
• A. Bynum puts up 14.3 points, 8.0 boards, and 1.4 assists for the Lakers.
• L. Scola averages 12.7 points, 8.8 boards, and 1.5 assists for the Rockets.

The Lakers have the better numbers, albeit by a fairly slim margin overall.

Forecast: We are in Houston, which should give the Rockets a slight edge. The Lakers, well, they are for real. My gut tells me that the two games in Houston will be split. I like the Rockets in this one, although I am really not sure as to why. Rockets win this one, 97-96.

Home Court