Rockets Aiming for a Smooth Win in New Orleans
No Rest Test. Weekly Player. Big Easy Birds.
Houston hits the Big Easy to face their divisional rival, the New Orleans Pelicans, on Monday night. New Orleans has struggled this season, starting 2-7. The Rockets narrowly beat the Pelicans in the second game earlier this season, back in Houston. Records don’t matter in this one. New Orleans is much better than their record. If the Rockets overlook the Pelicans, the result won’t be pretty. Houston has a busy week ahead. Tonight’s game is the first of four in six nights. The Rockets won’t get much rest, but still need to double down on their defensive effort, if they want to go at least 3-1 during this span. Otherwise, Houston’s looking at 2-2, optimistically.
James Harden is coming off Player of the Week honors, after he led the Rockets to a 3-0 record last week. The Beard is putting up insane numbers yet again this season. Last week, Harden averaged roughly 41 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists. He started the year struggling with his shot, but the Beard looks better than ever, primed for another MVP-caliber season. His ability to mesh well with Russell Westbrook, has only opened up more opportunities for the Beard himself. Harden looks to keep it rolling, and lead the Rockets through a busy week. Harden doesn’t play the load management game. He’s licking his chops at this week. Especially with the Clippers next on the slate. For now, Houston has to focus on the Pelicans, and get the win in New Orleans.
A date with the Los Angeles Clippers looming this Wednesday back in Houston poses possible problems for tonight’s game. The Rockets can’t afford to over look the Pelicans. Despite the shooting struggles and desire to play no defense early on, 7-3 would be respectable start to the season for the Rockets. They currently sit tied for third in the jammed Western Conference standings. Only a game out of first, Houston needs to seize the opportunity at hand. The bottom line is the Pelicans aren’t on the same talent, experience, or basketball IQ level as the Rockets. Not an insult, just a fact. Houston needs to prove this by continuing the trend of the previous two games: Blowout W’s. It won’t be easy tonight. New Orleans is better than Chicago and Golden State, Houston’s blowout victims this season. It’s time the Rockets add another to that list: New Orleans. Expect Harden to keep it rolling, and the Rockets to win tonight. A blowout is feasible, but look for contested close game. These are divisional rivals, and Houston’s had letdowns this season. But that was the past. They’re learned from their stakes. Blowout or nail-biter, Houston’s smart enough to execute a victory over the Big Easy Birds. A loss? That would be an insult.
Smoothie King Center: New Orleans, Louisiana
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (6-3): Black
New Orleans Pelicans (2-7): Red
TV: 7 PM CT – AT&T Sportsnet SW