Los Angeles Lakers Houston Rockets Game 5 Predictions
Written May 12, 2009 by Jason Lowry
The Houston Rockets might have lost another star piece to their team, with Yao Ming out for the rest of the season, but they weren’t about to lose game 4 at home, as the Rockets took down the Los Angeles Lakers 99-87 to even the series at 2 games a piece. A big reason that the Rockets were so good in game 4, is Aaron Brooks lit it up from the floor scoring a game high 34 points. The Rockets also got a surprising 23 points from Shane Battier, who hit five 3-pointers to help pick up the scoring. The most shocking thing about the Rockets win, was Ron Artest was ice cold from the floor, scoring just 8 points on 4 of 19 shooting. Luis Scola added 11 points and 14 rebounds and Kyle Lowry came off the bench to add 12 points. For the Lakers they got 30 points from Pau Gasol, but just 15 points from their star player Kobe Bryant, who had been so good in the last 2 games. Those were the only two starters to score in double figures, as Trevor Ariza had just 5 points and Lamar Odom and Derek Fisher had just 2 points. The Lakers might of lost Odom for game 5, as he left the game with back spasms in the 3rd quarter and never returned. Game 5 takes the series back to Los Angeles, where the Lakers will try and keep home court advantage and take down the undermanned Rockets. Here is a look at what I think each team needs to do to win game 5, plus my prediction on who comes out on top against the spread.
What the Rockets have to do to win: This is a much different Rockets team without Ming on the floor, and maybe its the style of play this team needs to beat the Lakers. You know the Lakers are going to do whatever they can to keep Brooks from lighting it up in LA, so that likely means the Rockets are going to need much better offensive performances from Artest and Scola. Its hard to count on Battier for his scoring, but if he can drop in anywhere near 20 points in game 5, this team has a real legit shot at winning this game. While the Rockets have to score to win, its defense that is the key for this team, and that means making life as difficult as possible for Bryant, who is sure to come out ready to go in game 5. The Rockets will also have to find a way to slow down Gasol, and that might be even easier if Odom is unable to go. Win or lose the Rockets are going to give it their all, and for a team that was up nearly 30 points in game 5, you have to give them a chance to win this game on the road. Bet the Rockets +12 to win at Sportsbook.com.
What the Lakers have to do to win: Its unclear if Odom is going to play or not in this one, and even if he does he likely won’t be anywhere near the level he has been for the first 4 games of this series, and that will be a big blow to this team. Andrew Bynum looks like he has not only lost it physically but mentally as well, and the Lakers could really use this guy to step it up in game 5. Bryant knows how important this game is, and you have to think he is going to do whatever it takes to win this game, but I think the biggest thing the Lakers need to do is keep feeding the ball to Gasol, as the Rockets really don’t have anyone who can stop him not that Yao is out. The Lakers will also need a much better performance from Ariza and Fisher, as neither was very effective in game 4. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Lakers don’t use Jordan Farmar a lot more in game 5, as he is a much better matchup defensively on Brooks. The Lakers should have the advantage on their home floor, but if they play with the same intensity as they did in game 4, this team can very easily lose this game. Bet the Lakers -12 to win at Sportsbook.com.
My Prediction: Rockets +12. I think the Lakers win this game, but I expect it to be much closer than the oddsmakers are predicting. The Rockets have proven they can beat the Lakers without Yao, and have a ton of confidence heading into game 5. I think this one comes right down to the wire with the Lakers winning by 6-8 points.
For those of you looking to do some NBA betting on the upcoming Rockets Lakers game, check out our expert NBA picks and grab the latest NBA odds at Betfirms.
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3 Responses to “Los Angeles Lakers Houston Rockets Game 5 Predictions”
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Jason,
“Win or lose the Rockets are going to give it there all…”
I believe the noun you are looking for is their.
Both you and your editor should hang your heads in shame. I do not know if there are anymore errors because I stopped reading this article at that point.
Oh yes, and GO ROCKETS!
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James Reply:
May 12th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Johnanon,
The word “their” is not a noun. It’s a pronoun. Enjoy your high horse!
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I have nothing to contribute because I didn’t learn a whole lot in grammar class in high school.
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