After losing yet another starter, the Rockets are about to try to prove that they can win without Yao. If Ron Artest can keep himself from getting ejected, they might have a shot.
The matchup to watch is the Kobe/Artest pairing. Artest has been tossed in both games two and three, once for a confrontation with Kobe and once for a flagrant foul. Kobe was also called for a flagrant foul on Artest in game two.
"Both teams are just pretty much ready for war," Artest said. "You've always got to be ready to hit, in case somebody hits you. I think both teams realize that."
It's about to get ugly.
Consider this your open game thread. In the meantime, here's a little reminder of more peaceful times.