OGT Mar 30: Rockets (50-23) @ Raptors (43-30)

[Legends66NBA7]

Game Preview: http://mi.nba.com/preview/#!/0021401104


It's unlikely that*Kyle Lowry*will play Monday night for the*Toronto Raptors, who may be better off without him since he has never defeated theHouston Rockets*since leaving that club.

The Raptors will at least catch a break since they won't have to faceDwight Howard.

The Rockets have dropped their last seven visits to Toronto and plan to rest Howard in this one as they seek a fifth straight win.

Lowry, second on the team with 17.9 points per game, has missed four of the last five contests with back spasms. Coach Dwane Casey had no update on his status at Sunday's practice.

The point guard played for Houston from 2009-12 before being traded to Toronto, which is 0-3 against the Rockets when Lowry faces them and 2-0 since he joined the team when he does not.

The two wins are part of this seven-game home win streak in the series dating to a 114-100 loss March 16, 2007.

Howard had 11 points and 10 rebounds in 19 minutes in his third game back from a right knee injury in Sunday's 99-91 win at Washington. CoachKevin McHale*said before it that Howard would either play Sunday or Monday, but not both days of the back-to-back set.

"It's nice to win the games, but it would be really nice to get healthy" McHale said. "That's our biggest thing."

Houston is also without*Terrence Jones, out with a partially collapsed lung, and announced Monday that*Patrick Beverley*will miss the remainder of the season following left wrist surgery.

Howard's absence means Toronto (43-30) will focus its defensive effort onJames Harden, who leads the NBA with 727 free-throw attempts. Harden is averaging 31.5 points in this win streak with 24 on Sunday.

Casey said*James Johnson*did a good job in helping limit Harden to 20 points in Toronto's 98-76 loss at Houston on Feb. 21. The coach said Johnson is one of several defenders who will take on the challenge this time.

"If you make a mental mistake, he'll make you pay," said Casey about Harden. "Once he sees it go through the hole, it just becomes easier and easier and easier for him so we gotta give him different looks, different matchups, put him in different situations because that's the only way you can stop him."

Toronto clinched the Atlantic Division with Friday's 94-83 home victory over the*Los Angeles Lakers.*Jonas Valanciunas*scored 19 points and Lou Williams added 18.

"It's a lot more that we need to do," forward*DeMar DeRozan*said. "Get in the playoffs, win games in the playoffs, look forward, keep moving forward and not just think one game or one round."

The Rockets (50-23) reached the 50-win plateau for the second straight season Sunday by enjoying a 53-43 rebounding edge and limiting the Wizards to 38.7 percent shooting. They improved to 22-6 against East foes for the NBA's second-best record.

Houston is in a tight race with Memphis in the Southwest Division. Sunday's win helped Toronto move 2 1/2 games ahead of Washington in the race for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

[Kungfro]

I thought James Johnson did a decent job against Harden the last time we played Houston, although he did still go off on us late in the game. Hopefully Casey matches him up with him again.

[BurningHammer]

Former Raps Dorsey still being in the league is amazing enough, let alone being a Rocket.

[Kungfro]

This Houston defense is just embarrassing the Raps right now.

[Kungfro]

Ross and Vasquez sub out and suddenly the defense looks a lot better.

[Legends66NBA7]

Bench giving the Raps a lift.

[24-Inch_Chrome]

The **** was that call?

[Legends66NBA7]

Clint Capella and Rodney Hood were the guys who I thought the Raps were looking for instead of Bruno.

[RRR3]

Capela :bowdown:

[RRR3]

Clint Capella and Rodney Hood were the guys who I thought the Raps were looking for instead of Bruno.
Am I remembering this right?

1. Caboclo wasn't even in mock drafts
2. Some people thought he wasnt even a real person when he got announced on draft day

[Legends66NBA7]

I remember last year against the Rockets, similar start but the Raps pulled it through.

Rockets are lot better this time around.

[Legends66NBA7]

Am I remembering this right?

1. Caboclo wasn't even in mock drafts
2. Some people thought he wasnt even a real person when he got announced on draft day

Yup.

This was the highlight of the night.

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showpost.php?postcount=1616&p=10213323

[Legends66NBA7]

Whatever happened to the Raps defensive awareness is still a mystery to me.

[RRR3]

Yup.

This was the highlight of the night.

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showpost.php?postcount=1616&p=10213323
Hahahaha.

Have you seen him play at all?

[Legends66NBA7]

Hahahaha.

Have you seen him play at all?

In person, no, but he has played in blow outs. Has range, no handles, can't create can't understand most of the plays, seems to understand some defensive fundamentals.

Until year 3, he just isn't ready yet.

[Kungfro]

Hahahaha.

Have you seen him play at all?

Besides summer league he hasn't seen much time on the Raps. His game against the bucks was the most play he got this season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzxi2XhCygE

I do like his potential, has a decent shot and an unreal wingspan, but he has a lot to learn as far as playing within an NBA offense. Also I think the language barrier has been an issue for him.

[RRR3]

In person, no, but he has played in blow outs. Has range, no handles, can't create can't understand most of the plays, seems to understand some defensive fundamentals.

Until year 3, he just isn't ready yet.
Do you think he'll be good ever?

[Legends66NBA7]

Do you think he'll be good ever?

I project him at best to be similar to Nicolas Batum. If he ends up that good, I'll be surprised.

Don't think he'll be an all-star, though.

[Kungfro]

Can Ross just stay on the bench for the rest of the game?

[Legends66NBA7]

Can Ross just stay on the bench for the rest of the game?

If he can't make a set 3 pointer, he's useless.

[RRR3]

If he can't make a set 3 pointer, he's useless.
How the hell did he score 50? :oldlol:


Harden is really playing some nice defense :applause:

[RRR3]

Kungfro, what is your avatar from?

[Achilleas]

harden again 3/10 , superstar :facepalm

[Legends66NBA7]

How the hell did he score 50? :oldlol:


Harden is really playing some nice defense :applause:

I was at that game live. :cheers:

Clippers were more concerned at locking up DeMar and Kyle and Terrence got a lot open looks. The good Terrence Ross... once he starts making shots, he can be a very potent player for the Raptors and the team itself takes it to another level.

DeMar rolled his ankle sometime during the 2nd quarter and he tried to give it a go in the 2nd half, but the swelling and pain was too much. That opened Ross even more and he was already hot from the first half. The Raps kept going to him, until he went cold and the Clippers took advantage of it. They also forced him to chase JJ Redick on defense and they pulled away after he made big 3 after big 3.

This year, he's had so much inconsistency. His defense has been horrible, one of the worst in the league. The only hope is that I hope he can hit open set 3's.

[Kungfro]

Kungfro, what is your avatar from?

It's from a webcomic called whiteninjacomics.

[beastee]

I love that even Canada is showing old MJ Gatorade commercials. GOAT gonna GOAT no matter the country.

[ronnymac]

Capela is going to be a monster in 2 or 3 years. He is a defensive monster .He is huge and athletic with good awareness around the bucket. We got our selves a huge steal at pick 25.

[24-Inch_Chrome]

Tie game, let's keep it going.

Edit: ****

[Kungfro]

harden again 3/10 , superstar :facepalm

Same thing happened the last time we played the Rockets, and he completely took over and won it in the 4th.

[24-Inch_Chrome]

Harden with the flop, no surprise. It's the right call but goddamn is he ever dramatic.

[Legends66NBA7]

These refs are calling a lot of questionable calls.

[24-Inch_Chrome]

Rockets can't stay on their feet, thankfully it didn't hurt the Raps. Starting to get back in this.

[Real14]

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2817947/billbored.gif

[Kungfro]

Thank god Josh Smith is in a shooting mood tonight, 2/12 including 0/4 from three.

[24-Inch_Chrome]

DeRozan :bowdown:

[Legends66NBA7]

DeMar with some tough shot makes against Harden.

[24-Inch_Chrome]

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2817947/billbored.gif

How 'bout them Knicks? I thought you called them to win the division. :confusedshrug:

[24-Inch_Chrome]

I guess Harden is allowed to push off..

[RRR3]

Is it just me or does Harden miss a lot of layups he should make?

[Legends66NBA7]

DeRozan and Harden in a duel.

[Milbuck]

Is it just me or does Harden miss a lot of layups he should make?
Been saying this the whole time. He's just a dogshit basketball player.

[Legends66NBA7]

Is it just me or does Harden miss a lot of layups he should make?

He's trying to sell and get free throws over the bucket. Can't blame him, because he can generate a lot of And 1's opportunities too and put the defenders in a duel.

[Real14]

How 'bout them Knicks? I thought you called them to win the division. :confusedshrug:
that was in the summertime, so it don't count.

[24-Inch_Chrome]

that was in the summertime, so it don't count.

http://i.imgur.com/tZOS8.gif

[avonbarksdale]

demarrrr

[Legends66NBA7]

James Johnson handles are sick.

[24-Inch_Chrome]

James Johnson freezing Harden.

[noob cake]

Damn, Priggy is legit.

Curse of the Rockets PG is progress. Bev is going to lose his starting position after he comes back next year.

[Legends66NBA7]

Vasquez blows, man. Kyle needs to come back quick.

[24-Inch_Chrome]

Vasquez blows, man. Kyle needs to come back quick.

:applause:

He's been my least favourite Raptor all season, Vasquez always does something to piss me off.

[Hey Yo]

Raptors haven't beaten a team over .500 in 5weeks

[Legends66NBA7]

I don't get how Harden vs Ross was the key matchup.

It should have been Harden vs DeRozan, clearly.

[24-Inch_Chrome]

Thought the same thing. Were they matched up at all early in the game?

[24-Inch_Chrome]

Harden is a little bitch. Pushes off, goes into DeRozan with the shoulder, then just sits on the floor when he doesn't get the bucket or the call.

[Legends66NBA7]

Thought the same thing. Were they matched up at all early in the game?

Thy were matched up against each other most of the game. Ross can't guard him, though

DeMar and JJ have done a much better job on Harden.

[Legends66NBA7]

Harden is a little bitch. Pushes off, goes into DeRozan with the shoulder, then just sits on the floor when he doesn't get the bucket or the call.

Clean block too.

[24-Inch_Chrome]

Thy were matched up against each other most of the game. Ross can't guard him, though

DeMar and JJ have done a much better job on Harden.

Shit eh, I really haven't been paying close attention.

James Johnson may be my favourite Raptor, constant hustle, versatility, and he's kinda terrifying. :lol

[Young X]

How was that a foul?

[Kungfro]

Yea that looked like a clean strip.

[24-Inch_Chrome]

Harden with yet another flop. Every drive has the same flailing arms crap.

[FKAri]

lol @ harden.

What a phony.

[24-Inch_Chrome]

Vasquez needs to not shoot.

[Young X]

There was no need for a 3 there by Vasquez.

[Legends66NBA7]

DeMar has gone cold from the field. Need to spread put shooters for him or let Lou take over ball handling.

[24-Inch_Chrome]

Amir was fouled at least twice there, no call.

[Legends66NBA7]

Amir was fouled at least twice there, no call.

Refs are bad in this game and I hate complaining about them too.

Raps just have to dig in.

[aj1987]

Amir was fouled at least twice there, no call.
He's not gonna get it, unless he changes his name to Haren and grows a disgusting beard.

[Young X]

What a spin move from DeRozan. :applause:

[Kungfro]

Derozan! :bowdown:

[aj1987]

Derozan better make these 2.

[Milbuck]

Derozan for MVP

edit: lol

[FKAri]

lol sit down McHale. lol @ coaches acting like they can see the play perfectly from the bench.

[Legends66NBA7]

Derozan better make these 2.

:(

D'oh...

[SugarHill]

too many headbands on the rockets wtf

[SugarHill]

teams always go way over the time before calling timeout but they're never penalized lol

[Kungfro]

DeRozan!!!!!!!

[Young X]

DeRozan :bowdown:

[Milbuck]

SUCK A DICK HARDEN

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

[bballnoob1192]

DeRozen cold blooded.

[aj1987]

Clutch as ****!

[24-Inch_Chrome]

DeRozan with ice water in his veins. :bowdown:

[SugarHill]

DerKoben:bowdown:

[FKAri]

Why is that slowphuk Harden guarding Derozan? Gonna get burned every time.

[bballnoob1192]

Wtf Ariza........lmfao

[noob cake]

Harden pulled a LeBron here

Deferring the last second shot to Ariza

[Legends66NBA7]

I can breathe again.

:cry:

[aj1987]

Harden... :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

[Milbuck]

Why is that slowphuk Harden guarding Derozan? Gonna get burned every time.
He didn't get burned. Derozan just turned him around bent him over and penetrated. Literally.

[Kungfro]

Have not seen the Raps play that well in a while. DeRozan totally outplayed Harden tonight, did not see that coming.

[Milbuck]

LMAO

MVP

MVP

MVP

:roll: :roll: :roll:

[Achilleas]

harden afraid to take last shot

[Real14]

rockets are certified pretenders.

[SugarHill]

Derozan lowkey has an aesthetically pleasing game when he's hitting his shots

[bdreason]

Gotta get the ball to Harden there.


Nice game from Derozan.

[Legends66NBA7]

DeMar Darnell DeRozan joins Vincent Lamar Carter and Christopher Wesson Bosh as the only Raptors to have multiple 40+ point games.

:applause:

[el_locoteee]

Here it come another I'm sorry from the NBA. How in the world they didn't hear James calling time out.

[24-Inch_Chrome]

Here it come another I'm sorry from the NBA. How in the world they didn't hear James calling time out.

:oldlol:

Don't even try bitching, the breaks Harden got through the entire game trump that shit.

[bdreason]

Here it come another I'm sorry from the NBA. How in the world they didn't hear James calling time out.


ehhh you have to establish possession before you can call timeout. That means the ref has to visibly see you in possession. By the time the ref made a call on the play, Johnson already had his hand on the ball.

[Kungfro]

Here it come another I'm sorry from the NBA. How in the world they didn't hear James calling time out.

Are you referring to the rebound on the missed free throw? Because Amir clearly had a hand on the ball, jump ball was the right call.

[ABfor3]

Good game by Derozan, Harden actually played him well for the most part , he made a good shot. Second night of a back to back but it was winnable.

[Burgz V2]

:)

[Legends66NBA7]

Good game by Derozan, Harden actually played him well for the most part , he made a good shot. Second night of a back to back but it was winnable.

DeMar played Harden well on defense too. Should have matched up more often, it was a great game.

[LakersForlife]

10-12 from free throw this cave man is bonified durant

[SaltyMeatballs]

10-12 from free throw this cave man is bonified durant
DeRozan: 12-17 FT