Tuesday night features a battle of Western Conference foes who are both fighting to improve their positioning in a loaded conference. The Houston Rockets (11-11) will play on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans (10-12) at the Smoothie King Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET.
For the Rockets, who have lost three of their last four, this will be the second game of a back-to-back. On Monday, they lost to the Charlotte Hornets 119-94. Against the Pelicans, the Rockets will be shorthanded as Christian Wood is out with an injury, and Victor Oladipo will rest in the second game in as many days.
Unlike the Rockets, the Pelicans will be rested and playing at home. In fact, they have not played since Saturday when they won their third straight game, 118-109, over Memphis. The Pelicans are hoping to avenge their loss to the Rockets back at the end of January when Houston beat the Pelicans 126-112 at the Smoothie King Center.
The Pelicans are the favorites playing at home. They are -172 to win while the Rockets’ moneyline is +144. The spread features the Rockets +4.
By The Numbers
Offensively, these two teams have been pretty similar. The Pelicans rank 16th in the NBA in scoring averaging 111.5 (118.3 over their last three) points per game. Houston lies just a couple of spots behind them at 18th, averaging 111 points (102.7 over their last three).
Defensively, it is the Rockets with the advantage. They rank 6th in scoring defense, allowing opponents just 108.9 points per game. New Orleans falls to 20th, allowing 112.3 points per game.
Rockets Hoping To Bounce Back
Losing for just their third time in the last ten games on Monday, the Houston Rockets have been hit with the injury bug. Christian Wood is out indefinitely, and both Eric Gordon and John Wall sat out against Charlotte.
While these two could suit up against the Pelicans, Victor Oladipo has already been ruled out. He is averaging 19.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.
If they can get Wall and Gordon back, that would be a huge boost. Wall is currently averaging 18.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6 assists. For Gordon, he has put up 18.4 points per game.
Pelicans Trying To Stay On A Roll
Currently, just a half-game behind both Houston and Memphis, the Pelicans are hoping that they can stay on a roll and start leapfrogging some teams in the West.
Leading the way for the Pelicans are stars, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Williamson is averaging 23.7 points on 59.6% shooting. He is also averaging 7.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.
Not to be outdone, Brandon Ingram is averaging 23.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. Between the two, they can give any opposing defense, even one as good as Houston’s, trouble on a nightly basis.
Other contributors for the Pelicans include Eric Bledsoe (13.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists), Lonzo Ball (13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists), and Nickell Alexander-Walker (9.8 points).
Taking Pelicans To Win And Cover
There are a few factors coming into play in this game. First, the Rockets are playing their second of a back-to-back. Furthermore, between resting veterans and injuries, they will be shorthanded. Last, the Pelicans have just been the hotter team over the last few games.
Put it all together, and I think the Pelicans are able to not only win this game but should cover the modest four-point spread as well.
