Game 19: Houston Rockets Vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview

There was so much promise for the Houston Rockets going into their match up Monday night with the Detroit Pistons.

After an amazing, gritty, come-from-behind win over the New York Knicks the previous night, one would think that the momentum would carry over into their next game.

Think again.

The Rockets shot horribly out of the gate but were able to shore it up in the latter stages of game.

Even though the shots were falling, there’s just one thing that was the problem.

The Rockets could not match the defensive intensity of the Pistons.

When the Rox would get a little closer to completely cutting their deficit, the Pistons would slap them back to ground only to realize that they were right back were they started when they proverbially came to.

It was a tough loss but now it’s time to take on the next opponent — the 4-14 New Orleans Pelicans.

Life has been literally for the birds for this entire team as they struggle to find their identity.

Alvin Gentry is still trying to figure things out, Anthony Davis is barely getting back into to groove after missing time with injury and Omer Asik is more of an afterthought at the moment in the Big Easy as he has been demoted to the bench.

He just signed a five-year, $60 million extension this past off season after putting together a strong campaign to earn it.

But in contrast with the present, it’s a stretch just to get him on the court.

Asik had nearly gone a month without connecting on a field goal and just did so a couple of days ago.

He has likely fallen into complacency now knowing that he virtually set for the rest of his playing career with that deal.

But the Pelicans have received an injection to their lineup with Tyreke Evans and Norris Cole returning from their respective injuries likely making this match up even more intriguing tonight.

There should be interesting moments in this game but it’s certainly one that the Rockets can prevail in.

They just need to play stifling defense and try to keep the ball out of their hands for as little time as possible.

That’s simple isn’t it?

As you know, it’s easier said than done with this current Rockets’ team so we’ll have to see.

The Pels have the league’s worst defensive efficiency, allowing 109.1 points per 100 possessions.

So who’s leading the charge for the Pelicans?

Anthony Davis leads the team in scoring (23.5 PPG), rebounding (10.7 RPG) and blocks (2.40 BPG). Tyreke Evans in assists (10.0 APG) and Ish Smith in steals (1.20 SPG).

Let’s talk about what the Pelicans do well.

They take care of the basketball. The Pelicans are 3rd in the league in turnover ratio with just a measly 12.5 percent of their total possessions ending in a turnover.

They love to have the basketball in their hands. The Pelicans are 7th in PACE factor, averaging 100.2 possessions per game.

Injuries:

Donatas Motiejunas will be making a return to the court soon, there’s no timetable that has been set but he’s doing more-and-more everyday. J.B. Bickerstaff said that he’s doing one-on-one drills and he is “salivating” for the day when he can get back into the lineup. He has been cleared to practice and took part in Tuesday’s activities.

Sam Dekker had back surgery last week and is expected to miss about three months.

There are no injuries to report for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Sources: Jenny Dial Creech/Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle and Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com.

Three Things to Watch:

Dwight Howard vs. Davis
Clint Capela vs. Alexis Ajinca/Asik
Beverley vs. Evans

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/NBA TV and broadcast on SportsTalk 790 AM (KBME) and La Ranchera 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.

Go Rockets!

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