It's that time of the year for a lot of teams to make that final run to acquire that golden ticket to get them, hopefully, to the promise land (NBA Finals). However, especially during not so player friendly season, many players have been dealt their fair share of injuries. During this time injuries play a huge role in their teams success on the court (obviously) but, during "Crunch Time" whose really at risk here, the teams on the cusp missing the playoffs and adding possible tension into the locker room and the coach's fate or the long term health of these players? I want to take a more in depth look at two players, Western Conference player & Eastern Conference player, (no bias here) to give more insight on how these players absence can make or break their teams chance.
On the West Coast the Houston Rockets have played surprisingly well at home (5th most home wins in the West) which was being led by PG Kyle Lowry. Many see the Rockets falling off toward the final month of play and who can blame them when Lowry has been out since March 10th from his Bacterial Infection and treatment (likely to miss season). He has really been the standout guy (along with Scola) in Houston having career numbers in Points (15.9), Assists (7.2), and Rebounds (5.3) showing that he has the potential to take the reins in Houston. Sitting at the 8th spot in the west isn't any guarantee as we should all know (real fans should know) the Western Conference for quite some time has been known for having multiple teams over .500 miss out on a chance to participate in the post season. It will be interesting to see if Houston can hold on without Kyle Lowry to orchestrate the offense.
On the East Coast the New York Knicks have been on and off in the lime light, as well as the spot light (I'm sure we all had an overdose of "Lin"sanity). They, along with the Rockets, currently hold the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference. Due to the lack of talent out East they have a far greater chance of maintaining their position or possibly moving up a spot or two in the playoff run. Still some (especially Knicks Fans) are sweating the fact that their Star big man Amar'e Stoudemire could potentially be lost for the whole year to a bulging disk in his back. This isnt your Bogut or your Elton Brand, this is a player who received a serious amount of consideration last year for MVP prior to Carmelo Anthony arriving. He's there offensive anchor in the post and their intimidation factor (along with Chandler) for any opposing team. With the Bucks right on their heels and Amare being M.I.A. for possibly the rest of the season its not hard to see Knicks dropping the ball down the stretch.
So I ask you, which team is hurting to have their "Knick"ed and "Hurt"ston player back??
On the West Coast the Houston Rockets have played surprisingly well at home (5th most home wins in the West) which was being led by PG Kyle Lowry. Many see the Rockets falling off toward the final month of play and who can blame them when Lowry has been out since March 10th from his Bacterial Infection and treatment (likely to miss season). He has really been the standout guy (along with Scola) in Houston having career numbers in Points (15.9), Assists (7.2), and Rebounds (5.3) showing that he has the potential to take the reins in Houston. Sitting at the 8th spot in the west isn't any guarantee as we should all know (real fans should know) the Western Conference for quite some time has been known for having multiple teams over .500 miss out on a chance to participate in the post season. It will be interesting to see if Houston can hold on without Kyle Lowry to orchestrate the offense.
On the East Coast the New York Knicks have been on and off in the lime light, as well as the spot light (I'm sure we all had an overdose of "Lin"sanity). They, along with the Rockets, currently hold the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference. Due to the lack of talent out East they have a far greater chance of maintaining their position or possibly moving up a spot or two in the playoff run. Still some (especially Knicks Fans) are sweating the fact that their Star big man Amar'e Stoudemire could potentially be lost for the whole year to a bulging disk in his back. This isnt your Bogut or your Elton Brand, this is a player who received a serious amount of consideration last year for MVP prior to Carmelo Anthony arriving. He's there offensive anchor in the post and their intimidation factor (along with Chandler) for any opposing team. With the Bucks right on their heels and Amare being M.I.A. for possibly the rest of the season its not hard to see Knicks dropping the ball down the stretch.
So I ask you, which team is hurting to have their "Knick"ed and "Hurt"ston player back??
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