The Houston Rockets are in the middle of a three-game homestand and will now try to earn its first win of the season. The visiting New Orleans Pelicans are in the same position, having lost two in a row.

Both squads play an uptempo style that runs a north and south offense, so we may we see a boatload of points.

The Rockets’ loss in the season-opener

The Rockets were looking good on Thursday’s season debut against the Milwaukee Bucks… until they weren’t. After surviving a terrible shooting night from Harden (finished 2-for-13) and leading as much as 16 points, they squandered it all and eventually lost, 117-111. Defense once again proved to be a hurdle for head coach Mike D’Antoni and his men, as they gave up 39 big points in the fourth quarter and a triple-double to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who fouled out early and only played 28 minutes.

Don’t be surprised with Russell Westbrook

Call it an overreaction, but so much for Westbrook finally deferring rebounds to his big man. The 2017 NBA MVP continued his statistical barrage in the defeat with team-highs 24 points, 17 rebounds, and 17 shot attempts. It’s game number one of an 82-game season, so hopefully, he can learn how to take it easy and turn his energy into other areas.

Harden, in his struggle to buy a basket, was able to contribute by dishing out a game-high 14 assists and get points through his expertise in drawing fouls. He hit all of his 14 free-throws to end up with 10 points. “The Beard” should be able to do better against the Pelicans’ younger, more inexperienced core.

The Pelicans are 0-2 and still learning to finish strong

It is understandable… for now. The Pelicans were showing positive signs in their first two games before coming back to earth to bring home a pair of losses, which is both encouraging and frustrating.

While on the road against the Toronto Raptors, the Pels had the game up to last few minutes, when their youth folded to a defending champ’s poise, cowering in a 130-22 overtime loss. The same happened on Saturday versus the Dallas Mavericks, as they got off to a blazing start and a 41-27, first quarter lead. Inexperience then had them surrendering 45 points in the second period and a triple-double to Luka Doncic, which led to a 123-117 loss.

Brandon Ingram will continue being the go-to scorer

In a team that has a ton of talented young guns, Brandon Ingram is emerging as the alpha scorer – as he probably should with Zion Williamson out (torn meniscus).

Nevertheless, Ingram registered team-leading points in the two losses (22 and 25) and also looked like the most assertive in creating scoring opportunities for himself.

PREDICTION:

Both teams score 120+, with the Rockets coming out on top. Harden will be able to have a much better shooting night.