Kobe abused the bloody Battier in Game 2, but tonight could be a different story.
Aside from Game 7 between Chicago and Boston in the First Round, Game 3 between Houston and the L.A. Lakers might be the most anticipated game thus far in the 2009 playoffs.
Derek Fisher is suspended following the Game 2 fireworks between the two teams.
Jordan Farmar, Shannon Brown, and Lamar Odom will get minutes at the point in his place.
The key to tonight’s game is whether or not Yao stays out of foul trouble. He battled foul problems in Game 2, and needs to stay on the floor tonight.
The Lakers have no answer for Yao inside.
Kobe put up 40 points in Game 2, looking determined to take Shane Battier every time he touched the ball.
Battier and the Rockets make Kobe work, and I can see him struggling tonight in Game 3.
Home court isn’t always a big deal in the NBA, but it will be in tonight’s emotional contest.
If the Rocket role players Kyle Lowery, Carl Landry, and Von Wafer play well, Houston should prevail.
Wafer will play tonight, despite being kicked off the bench by Rick Adelman in the third quarter Wednesday.
I think Houston will win tonight. I also don’t anticipate any fireworks between Kobe and Ron Artest. Things will cool off – if only for one game.
Stay tuned for reaction following tonight’s games.
