Bobby Sura vs. Jason Terry
Advantage: Dallas
No question Terry has the scoring advantage here. Sura will have to step up defensively, particularly in transition, to stay with Terry.
David Wesley vs. Michael Finley
Advantage: Dallas
This will be the key defensive matchup for the Rockets. We know Nowitzki will get his, but Finley is the guy that must be held in check in order for the Rockets to be successful. Expect to see McGrady on Finley in key moments.
Tracy McGrady vs. Josh Howard
Advantage: Houston
Howard is a talented young guy, but no way he can stay with McGrady. This is the biggest mismatch for Dallas by far.
Clarence Weatherspoon vs. Dirk Nowitzki
Advantage: Dallas
Conversely, this is a HUGE mismatch for the Rockets. Expect Ryan Bowen to see plenty of minutes harrassing Dirk.
Yao Ming vs. Erick Dampier
Advantage: Houston
Dampier is a tough defensive player and we'll also see Bradley defend Yao for stretches, but Yao plays well against Dallas and they will have to double team Yao to prevent him from dominating the paint.
Houston Bench vs. Dallas Bench
Advantage: Houston
This is a battle of former star talent in Stackhouse and Van Horn versus role players with chemistry. The Rockets have probably the best set of role players in the league in Barry, James, Padgett and Mutumbo. The keys for the Rockets will be the outside shooting of guys like James who can be like Vinnie Johnson when he is hot and the inside presnece of Mutumbo. Stackhouse and Van Horne are formiddable, but what the Rockets lack in sheer talent, they make up for in chemistry.
Jeff Van Gundy vs. Avery Johnson
Advantage: Houston
There are few coaches in the league as prepared as Van Grumpy. Johnson has never coached in the NBA, let alone the playoffs and, despite the wealth of coaching talent on his bench, this is his team to lead and that is a lot different than leading while playing.
Intangibles
Advantage: Even
Houston has experience and Dallas has pure talent. The matchup of McGrady and Nowitzki should be a great one. Yao will do damage in the paint, but Terry and Finley make a tough backcourt matchup for the Rockets.
Overall Prediction:
Houston in 7
These are two hot teams rolling into the playoffs and seemingly clicking on all cylanders. If they Rockets can withstand the punishment they will no doubt take from Nowitzki, get a good percentage from their outside shooters, play solid defense and get production in the paint from Yao, there is no reason they can't win this series in 6, but I'll take them in 7. Their chemistry and experience both on the floor and from the coaching staff will be invaluable.
