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Game 61: Houston Rockets Vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview

By Brian K. Patterson

Jan 25, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Houston Rockets center Josh Smith (5) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Houston Rockets center Josh Smith (5) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Houston Rockets fans — it’s March 2 and I’m wondering if the season is over!

I’m beside myself but not too surprised at the piss-poor performance that they had against the Milwaukee Bucks Monday night.

This is a team they certainly should beat but the fact that they ACTUALLY lost to them is mind-boggling.

But that’s been the case this whole season with this team.

The goal is to make the playoffs; but, if we don’t, I won’t be heartbroken.

I can’t honestly say that we’ll be able to hold our own against likely the Golden State Warriors or — gasp — the San Antonio Spurs!

But I’m still taking this one game at a time and the Rockets will face the 23-35 New Orleans Pelicans for the last time this season.

The have a 2-1 advantage in the season series which is virtually meaningless but it’s positive to know that there is a season series that we’re leading in.

I’m just glad ESPN pulled the plug — we were scheduled to receive top-billing tonight — on this crap match up because I don’t think the rest of the world needs to watch the bad basketball that we’re playing.

So who’s leading the charge for the Pelicans?

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Anthony Davis is the leading scorer (24.1 PPG), top board-getter (10.2 RPG) and dominant shot-blocker (2.20 BPG).  Tyreke Evans is the lead assist man (6.6 APG) and steals king (1.30 SPG).

Let’s talk about what the Pelicans do well.

They’re pretty good with the offense that they run.  The Pelicans are ranked 10th in the NBA as far as offensive efficiency, averaging 103.7 points per 100 possessions.

They take care of the basketball.  The Pelicans are ranked 2nd in the league in turnover ratio, with only 12 percent of their possessions ending with a turnover.

They attack the boards ferociously.  The Pelicans are ranked 6th in the league in defensive rebound rate (78.1).

Injuries:

Clint Capela has been dealing with a sprained right foot since last Wednesday.  He has missed a couple of games and he’ll miss possibly even more as the Rockets plan to take their time in bringing him along.  He had fallen out of the starting lineup so this will give even more time to recover and to develop.  He did have an MRI and X-rays done to his foot and the results were negative, so delicate treatment will likely be the way the Rockets will go.  He did practice yesterday but is officially listed as QUESTIONABLE for tonight.

Anthony Davis has been dealing with a sprained right toe for a few games.  Although he’s officially listed as QUESTIONABLE, it’s extremely likely that he’ll play tonight.

Sources:  Jenny Dial Creech/Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com, Mark Berman of FOX26 (KRIV), the New Orleans Pelicans and John Reid of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Three Things to Watch:

  1. Patrick Beverley vs. Norris Cole
  2. Josh Smith vs. Anthony Davis
  3. James Harden vs. Eric Gordon
  4. (Bonus) Trevor Ariza vs. Ryan Anderson

Prediction:

108-99 in a Rockets’ win!

The Rockets are back at home to take on the Pelicans at Toyota Center.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.

The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME) and La Ranchera 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.

Go Rockets!

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