Rockets Hit the Big Easy, Battle Zion and the Pelicans
The Drive for Five. The Road Back. Rest Ahead.
Houston hits the road to begin a four-game road trip on Saturday night against one of the NBA’s evolving teams. Their first stop is in the Big Easy, where John Wall, Victor Oladipo and the Rockets will meet Zion Williamson and the Pelicans. After a slow start to the season, New Orleans is coming off their best win of the season, a victory over the Bucks last night. Houston’s also coming off their best win of the season, a 20-point comeback victory over the Blazers. The Rockets need to dig deep if they want to make it five wins in a row tonight. The Pelicans are clicking at the right time. Led by Zion Williamson, who’s coming into form, getting better with each game, New Orleans also boasts another Duke product, lethal swingman Brandon Ingram. Eric Bledsoe is hitting a groove after a rough start to the season. And Steven Adams will give Christian Wood rebounding nightmares in the paint. It should be a good one in New Orleans tonight. If the Rockets play with fiery intensity, they should be able to escape with a victory.
Tonight marks the beginning of a four-game road trip, and a stretch of six out of seven games away from Toyota Center for the Rockets. Houston would love to start the trip with a win, and get back to .500 for the first time this season. At 8-9, a win tonight puts Houston a step closer to rising in the standings. New Orleans is 7-10, and a loss puts the Rockets in the same camp as the Pelicans. Tonight’s game is immensely important as Houston continues to dig itself out of their early season hole, victims of the James Harden-drama. The Rockets have the advantage in the rest category. Houston hasn’t played since Thursday. New Orleans beat a tough Milwaukee Bucks team last night. If the Rockets play with Jae’Sean Tate and P.J. Tucker’s energy, they should be able to contain the Pelicans tonight.
This matchup marks the end of the first quarter of this NBA season, as the Rockets will have played 18 out of their 72 regular season games. After a rough start, and adapting to continuing changes, Houston seems headed in the right direction. A win over a hot New Orleans team would give the Rockets a huge confidence boost to start this road trip, as the squad hasn’t been as good on the road compared to home. Regardless, it’s a matchup of two of the NBA’s hottest, evolving teams, finding their respective rhythms at the same time. Expect an entertaining Saturday night affair in the Big Easy… and appreciate the evolution.
Smoothie King Center: New Orleans, Louisiana
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (8-9): Black
New Orleans Pelicans (7-10): Red
TV: 7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW