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Houston Rockets Vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Game 70: Sneak Peek Analysis

By Brian K. Patterson

Mar 17, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) guards Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Rockets 128-112. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) guards Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Rockets 128-112. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s redemption time for the Houston Rockets as they take on the New Orleans Pelicans for the last time this season.

It’s redemption time for the Houston Rockets as they take on the New Orleans Pelicans for the last time this season.

Although their offense can be meager at times, the Pels got physical with them last Friday, relentlessly dominating the paint.

Mind you, this was without DeMarcus Cousins — he was injured — but they were able persevere regardless.

I’m not sure what to expect tonight but I know this game will be quite competitive.

But you never know what you’ll see.

This is for the season series and the Rockets have a 2-1 lead.

So what’s next?

So who’s leading the charge for the Pelicans?

Anthony Davis leads the team in scoring (27.7 PPG) and is in charge of the shot-blocking (2.2 BPG).  DeMarcus Cousins is the top board-getter (12.1 RPG) and in steals (1.7 SPG). Jrue Holiday is in charge of the dimes (7.2 APG).

Let’s talk about what the Pelicans do well.

Their team defense still remains consistently great.  The Pelicans are ranked 7th in defensive efficiency, allowing just 104.2 points per 100 possessions.

They love to have the basketball in their hands.  The Pelicans are ranked 9th in PACE, averaging 100 possessions per game.

They take care of the basketball.  The Pelicans are 6th in turnover ratio with just 12.1 percent of their possessions ending in a turnover.

Next: James Harden To Sign A Super-Max Deal In 2017?

Injuries:

There are no injuries to report for the Houston Rockets.

As for the Pelicans, Omer Asik has been out with an illness and is expected to be a game-time decision for tonight’s game.  Although not essential to the Pelicans’ operation, he does help with their depth.

But he was a scratch because of an illness in their last meeting March 17 so this leads me to believe that he has a heck of a malady or he’s a healthy scratch from the active roster.

Likely the latter…

Quincy Pondexter has sustained a knee injury and is expected to be out likely through the end of the season.

Source(s): CBS Sports

Matchups to Watch:

  1. Clint Capela vs. DeMarcus Cousins
  2. Patrick Beverley vs. Jrue Holiday
  3. Ryan Anderson vs. Anthony Davis

Prediction:

115-106 in a Houston Rockets’ win!

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

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

The game will be televised on ROOT Sports Southwest and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius 218, XM/SiriusXM 211 (Internet 890) and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.

Go Rockets!

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