Rockets Gambling On Physical Play To Beat Lakers

The Houston Rockets know that the Los Angeles Lakers have been the top team in the Western Conference all year. They also know that there is a formula for beating the Lakers, and that formula is based upon physical play.

Last year, the Boston Celtics won an NBA title by playing physical against the "soft" Lakers. This year, Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson made it a point to ensure that history did not repeat itself.

Los Angeles has a chance to prove that they are no longer a team that can be pushed around in their second round match up with Houston. The Rockets have turned up the heat on the Lakers, and so far, L.A. has held their ground.

In game one of the series, Shane Battier ended up with several stitches after a Kobe Bryant knee to the head. Game two had all sorts of physical play that resulted in both Derek Fisher and Ron Artest being thrown out of the game.

Fisher was even suspended for game three of the series tonight for his ferocious hit on Houston's Luis Scola. "It's playoff basketball," Fisher would say of the hit. Indeed, whether or not it was clean, it sent a message. This year's Lakers team will not be bullied.

Tonight's game is pivotal for the Rockets. If they can win, they can prove that their physical play is wearing down the Lakers. If Los Angeles wins, however, it could signal the end for the Rockets.

May 8, 2009
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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