NBA on Five : Week 2

Every week we preview Channel Five’s upcoming NBA game. Tonight’s show starts at 1am with the Tracy McGrady led Houston Rockets playing host to the defending champion Boston Celtics. 

Season so far 

Houston come into the game with a perfect 3-0 record and with a tough win at Dallas under their belt. The Rockets’ big three have started well together with Yao Ming in fine form, Ron Artest contributing on both ends and Tracy McGrady assisting (5.7APG) as well as scoring. Luis Scola, Aaron Brooks and Carl Landry have also played well for the title contenders.

Boston won their first two home games but a surprise defeat at Indiana on Saturday means they come into the game with a 2-1 record. Their big three can be deadly but Ray Allen especially has not been at his best this season. 

Key players 

Tracy McGrady: Houston: SG: You know you’ll get rebounds and a defensive presence from Yao, you know you’ll get intensity from RonRon but McGrady’s output is more variable. At his best he can destroy opposition defences with a fluid jump shot and a terrific ability to create his shot. At his worst, when is jump shot is off, he can fall in love with it causing his team’s offence to stagnate. 

Ray Allen: Boston: SG: Is the 33-year-old past it? He had a tremendous finals after a poor playoffs but has struggled at the start of this season. One of the best three-point shooters of all time, whether or not Jesus can re-find his shot will be crucial to Boston’s season. 

Watch out for 

- Despite missing one game former Oregan guard Aaron Brooks has started the season superbly off Houston’s bench. The quick, young high-flier is a must-watch, let’s just hope he is playing. 

- Boston sixth man Leon Powe has started the season well after a very impressive playoffs will the power forward continue his development?

- It’s always best to keep an eye on Ron Artest. Whether he’s jumping into stands or playing the peace-maker role, he always is in the news. 

Team news 

Shane Battier remains the only Rocket out although the status of the aforementioned Brooks is still unclear. Boston should be full strength. 

Predictions 

Last week all three of us got off to a perfect start each predicting the Celtics to beat Cleveland, this week though someone will lost their 100 per cent record. Myself and fellow Posting Up founder Michael are the experts and as with last week we also get the prediction of the Watford lout in our office known as Dickman. He has no clue about the NBA. By the end of the season we’ll know the real experts. 

Tom: Houston are deep and have home court, this is a statement game for them and they will be ready (Houston win) (Season 1 correct, 0 wrong)

Michael: Beancity. The Celts will want to make a statement after an ugly loss to Indiana (Boston win) (Season 1 correct, 0 wrong)

Dickman: The Bostons. They’ll get stuck in away from home (Boston win) (Season 1 correct, 0 wrong) 

Image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:TracyMcGrady.jpg