Every so often a great series comes out of nowhere and this is it, I watched game 2 on the edge of my seat, and can't wait to tune in tonight for game 3. I haven't been this excited for a non-Celtic series since the Dallas v. Golden St upset series.
Much like the Chicago series, calling a winner is tough. The Rockets have several warts: Artest's head, the inability to score off turnovers, and not much has been made in the media about the Wafer ejection for arguing w/ his own coach during the game (don't see that much from Championship contenting teams!).
All that being said, they are a perfect matchup for the Lakers, who are soft as tissue paper and have been completely exposed during the series. In the end, I'm officially a Rockets fan until we play them. Best team to but your chips on to Beat LA and possibly upset the Cavs (particularly because of the Artest/Battier matchups, though Yao doesn't hurt either). Rockets are just one of those quirky, eccentric, fun teams that you can't help but enjoy, and I am now (can't believe it) a fairly huge Artest fan...
I'm going Rockets in 7, including a win for Houston tonight. Why? Because I want it to happen, it's good for basketball, and I relish the thought that even if they somehow survive this series (huge if), the Lakers will then have to deal with Denver before meeting the Cavs/Celtics in the Finals. a good time to be a Laker-hater...
GO ROCKETS!!!