So now we know. The Rockets will once again open the playoffs against a team their fans love to hate, the Utah Jazz. In fact, everyone around here can't stand the group from the Beehine state. Don't get me wrong. There is respect on both sides from the players just because the way they are coached along with the effort both clubs put forth, but you can only take so many times walking off the court wondering what happened until it just makes you sick.

The Rockets and the Jazz have met six times in the postseason, the last three have been gut wrenching defeats for Houston. To make matters worse, not only did they win on the scoreboard but they literally beat the Rockets up. That's they way they play. It used to be Karl Malone and Jeff Hornacek throwing elbows with John Stockton zipping around the court, now it's Carlos Boozer, Matt Harpring, and Paul Millsap pushing everyone around with Deron Williams leading the charge.

But this year might be different. There is no question the Rockets are at a disadvantage without Yao Ming and Rafer Alston but they have some players who will give it right back, in fact, may start the physical play. No more getting bullied around for this group of athletes. Luis Scola is tough as nails and you certainly don't want to get in the way of Chuck Hayes, Shane Battier, Bobby Jackson and the old man Dikembe Mutombo. Carl Landry is also not a pushover and even T-Mac is wearing a shoulder pad (move over NFL.)

When the ball is tossed up Saturday evening at Toyota Center both teams know what to expect and certainly what to give . I was watching very closely the game played Monday night in Utah. I saw things that told me we might be seeing more than just basketball games in this seven game series. The team that moves on may arrive at the next series looking like a MASH unit. This matchup will not be for the faint of heart !

1 Comments

Keith Brown said:

Hi Mr. Nielsen. My name is Keith Brown. I met you last weekend at the Aracely Portillo-Matthew Campbell. We talked about the old Houston Oiler days and the Houston Texans. You told me to respond to one of your blogs and we could chat about football and sports in general. It was very nice to meet you. Being a diehard Oiler fan for many years and watching you on Channel 11 sports, I was quite pleased to speak with you.

In response to your blog about the Rockets, I'm really looking forward to the playoffs this year. I think that Tracy McGrady will finally break through his inability to get out of the first round. They can beat the Utah Jazz, especially having home court advantage. I do believe they'll have to win at least one game in Utah to do it though. After that, it gets tough. Without Yao Ming, this is where the Rockets may struggle but I do believe that they are capable of beating any of the Western Conference teams in a 7 game series. I don't think I would lay any money down on the Rockets winning the Western Conference but I wouldn't be surprised either.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Keith Brown

April 19, 2008 8:06 PM

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