The 6-3 Houston Rockets and 2-7 New Orleans Pelicans are able to put up huge offensive performances on a daily basis. Both are top three in pace, top five in scoring and three-point shooting, and bottom five in points allowed, so don’t be shocked if the two combine for close to 300 points.
The Rockets are gaining steam
After a rocky start, the three-point loving Rockets are starting to establish a stronger presence. They are winners of three straight and have boasted great defense in the last two, highlighted by going plus 40 on points and holding the other team to a combined 38.7%-shooting.
The Rockets won the first meeting in late October, 126-123, despite a horrible shooting night from James Harden, whose appalling 27.5% clip was mainly due to going 2-for-18 from three. Russell Westbrook led the way that night with a triple-double (28 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists).
As they aim for another win against the Pelicans, expect Harden (37.1 PPG) and Westbrook (21.3 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 7.9 APG) to aggressive right from the get-go, especially the former, who should be aiming for a better shooting night. He’s riding a good momentum coming in, having scored 40 in two of his last three.
The ‘no defense’ Pelicans
The Pelicans are the lite version of the Rockets – lite because they lack the occasional good defense. It’s basically an all offense team that is currently dead-last in points allowed at 122.4 per game and 28th in defensive efficiency.
As a little ray of hope, though, the Pels are in position to build rhythm. They are coming off a 115-110 win against the Charlotte Hornets, where they shot a season-high 53.3% from the field.
Brandon Ingram is poised for a big scoring night
Brandon Ingram is continuing to play his role as the go-to guy. He’s averaging team-leading 25.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game on a career-high 53.7%-shooting. In the aforementioned loss to Rockets weeks back, he logged in 35 points and 15 boards, both of which are game-highs.
PREDICTION:
The Rockets win and make the season series 2-0, but they once again fail to contain Brandon Ingram.
