Pre-game notes

• Nice to have another contributor back in the fold! Once the finals are done, we'll see what shape this blog takes. Not that anyone is reading it.

• Prevailing assumption is that KB24 and the rest of the Laker gang will be more aggressive and get all of the calls from the refs. Sounds about right - and why I'll take this one in at Chez Yablo. However - everyone said they'd be more aggressive during game 2, and look how that turned out.

• Want to get to the line, Kobe? Perkins, go ahead and send him there. With a vengeance. Make those fouls count.

• I don't want Pierce to get into a straight duel with Kobe tonight, but he does have to set the tone by crashing the lane early and forcing the Lakers to adjust personnel.

• Cassell + wrist injury = more Eddie House? Three point shooting (Ray, Posey, House) could be HUGE at keeping the C's close if they're not getting to the line, as well as deflating the crowd.

• I'll give Simmons credit - Salvatore, Joey Crawford, and Mark Wunderlich tonight.

• C's need 1 of 3 in LA, (I'm looking at you, game 4) but I wouldn't rule out seeing them roll to 3-0 tonight. It'll be tough with everyone in foul trouble early - but another solid bench performance can keep it close enough heading into the 4th.