The Houston Rockets are on a mission to prove that they belong in the upper echelon of the NBA.
TheHouston Rocketsare 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 theAnthony Davisshow on their end so it will be interesting to see howClint Capelawill defend him as well as the remains of the supporting cast’s effectiveness.
So who’s leading the charge for the Pelicans?
Anthony Davisis 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 Frazieris 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 are8thin the NBA as far as turnover ratio with only12.1 percentof their possessions ending in a turnover.
They love to have the basketball in their hands and move it around well.The Pelicans are ranked9th— tied with Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic — in assist ratio with17.1 percent of their possessionsending with an assist. They’re also tied for9thin PACE — with the Rockets —averaging 100.2 possessions per game.
They’re decent defenders as a whole.The Pelicans are ranked13thin the NBA in regard to defensive efficiency, allowing103.7 points per 100 possessions.
Injuries:
Tyreke Evans,one of the Pelicans’ best talents, has been battling some knee and calf injuriesbut 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 Frazierhas a bone contusion in his right wristand is expected to beOUTfor 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 Capelavs. Anthony Davis
- Patrick Beverleyvs.Jrue Holiday
- Ryan Andersonvs.Terrence Jones
Prediction:
111-97in aHouston Rockets’win!
The Rockets are back at home to take on thePelicansatToyota Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for7 p.m. CST.
The game will be televised onROOT Sports Southwestand broadcast onSportsTalk 790 AM (KBME), Sirius/XM/SiriusXM 217 (Internet 890)andLa Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets!
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