Houston Rockets Portland Trail Blazers Game 3 Predictions

It has been a long time coming for Trail Blazer fans, as Portland won a playoff game for the first time in six years, as they took down the Houston Rockets 107-103 in game 2 of the opening round series. Neither team has had much success of late in the postseason, as the Rockets haven’t made it out of the first round since 1997. In game 2 it was the youngster Brandon Roy who stole the spotlight, as he went off for 42 points to lead all scorers. The Blazers also got a big game from LaMarcus Aldrige, who had 27 points and 12 rebounds after scoring just 7 points in game 1. For the Rockets they got another strong performance from their point guard Aaron Brooks, who scored 23 points with 5 assists. The Rockets also got 19 points from starter Ron Artest and 21 from reserve guard Von Wafer. The big man Yao Ming had just 11 points after going perfect in game 1 for 24 points, and the Rockets took a blow to their depth chart with Dikembe Mutombo suffering a career ending leg injury. The series has shifted to Houston with the Rockets in control when game 3 rolls around this Friday. Here is a look at what I think each team needs to do to win game 3, and my pick on who comes out on top against the spread.
What the Rockets have to do to win: The Rockets need to get Ming involved a lot more in there offense. The Blazers responded from the beating Yao put on them in game 1 and fronted Yao and played both their 7-footers at the same time. It won’t be easy but Yao has to be more involved and that means he has to do his part and stay out of foul trouble. Brooks has done a great job at the point, but unless Ron Artest gets it going, Yao has to step up and give this team at least 20 and 10. The bench was outstanding in game 2 outscoring the Blazers bench 35-23. That bench play will need to continue if this team wants to win at home. The Rockets were a perfect 2-0 against the Blazers at home during the regular season. Other than that I think they have to find a way to slow down Brandon Roy, who torched them in game 2. I like the Rockets to come out firing and I think they have a very good chance of beating the young Blazers on the road. Bet the Rockets -5.5 at Sportsbook.com.
What the Blazers have to do to win: The Blazers need to be ready to respond to the changes the Rockets will do to get Yao the basketball, as its no secret the Rockets will only go as far as Ming takes them. The same goes for the Blazers and Roy, they go as he goes, and last game he was spectacular. I don’t know if they can expect to get 27 and 12 out of Aldridge every game, so somebody else is going to have to step up in the scoring department. The Blazers really missed the spark from Greg Odon in game 2, as he had just 4 points and 4 rebounds after scoring 15 in game 1. I don’t think either team has moved the ball that well to get open shots, but I think the Blazers have to be better at hitting the open man if they want to win on the road. Bet the Blazers +5.5 at Sportsbook.com.
My Prediction: Rockets -5.5. I know the Blazers will have to win on the road if this game is going to go 7 games, but I don’t think it will be the first game at Houston. I like the Rockets to control this game, as they look like the better and more experienced team. I like the Blazers and think they are going to be one of the top teams in the West for a long time, but they are still to young to make a deep playoff run.
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