Critical Game 6

Houston has been in a second round drought for way too long, but there are life-giving rain clouds on the horizon. The Rockets' best chance to break the chains of mediocrity is at hand tonight in Toyota Center. That's not to say that they will automatically lose if they are forced to go back to Portland for a seventh game, but I'd have to say the odds would not be in their favor.

Predictions:

• The Rockets will win the game and advance to the next round.
• Yao Ming will score less than 20 points, but he will be efficient on both ends of the court and contribute significantly to the win.
• Ron Artest will not try to take over the game more than a couple of times.
• Aaron Brooks will not have many assists, but will not make many stupid plays either.
• Kyle Lowry will run the team well, but will not score many points.
• Shane Battier will hold Brandon Roy to 24 points or less on less than 45% shooting.
• Luis Scola will outscore Lamarcus Aldridge.