Houston Rockets Vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Game 27: Sneak Peek Analysis
The Houston Rockets are on a mission to prove that they belong in the upper echelon of the NBA.
The Houston Rockets are on a mission to prove that they belong in the upper echelon of the NBA.
They’re finally being talked about nationally in regard to HOW they’re winning all these games.
They’ve faced all types of competition — flexible and stiff — and they’ve come smelling like a rose every time.
A lot of these wins were carefully orchestrated and synchronized to where it read like sheet music.
Of course, we know there will be times were the wins will be ugly but the fact that they’re seizing what’s in front of them and nothing short of amazing.
They’ll be facing the 9-18 New Orleans Pelicans tonight, who have battled their injury woes but are getting healthier one-by-one.
It certainly will be the Anthony Davis show on their end so it will be interesting to see how Clint Capela will defend him as well as the remains of the supporting cast’s effectiveness.
So who’s leading the charge for the Pelicans?
Anthony Davis is pretty much a one-man wrecking show — he leads in points (30.7 PPG), rebounds (11.4 RPG), steals (1.6 SPG) and blocks (2.9 BPG). And because Davis can’t pass the ball to himself, Tim Frazier is in charge of the dimes (7.6 APG).
Let’s talk about what the Pelicans do well.
They’re solid at taking care of the basketball. The Pelicans are 8th in the NBA as far as turnover ratio with only 12.1 percent of their possessions ending in a turnover.
They love to have the basketball in their hands and move it around well. The Pelicans are ranked 9th — tied with Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic — in assist ratio with 17.1 percent of their possessions ending with an assist. They’re also tied for 9th in PACE — with the Rockets — averaging 100.2 possessions per game.
They’re decent defenders as a whole. The Pelicans are ranked 13th in the NBA in regard to defensive efficiency, allowing 103.7 points per 100 possessions.
Injuries:
Tyreke Evans, one of the Pelicans’ best talents, has been battling some knee and calf injuries but returned to the lineup Thursday for the first time this season.
He had seven points, three rebounds and two assists in 11 minutes which eventually was a 102-95 win over the Indiana Pacers.
He will continue to be on a restriction up to about 15 minutes per game as he gets his feet wet once again.
Tim Frazier has a bone contusion in his right wrist and is expected to be OUT for the next seven to 10 days.
There are no injuries to report for the Houston Rockets.
Source(s): Justin Verrier of ESPN and the New Orleans Pelicans
Three Things to Watch:
- Clint Capela vs. Anthony Davis
- Patrick Beverley vs. Jrue Holiday
- Ryan Anderson vs. Terrence Jones
Prediction:
111-97 in a Houston 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), Sirius/XM/SiriusXM 217 (Internet 890) and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!