The Houston Rockets aren’t above the .500, and the same goes for the New Orleans Pelicans. Yet, both teams are aiming to reach the playoffs in the West, which is why they need to win Tuesday’s match. The two sides are direct rivals for the postseason, therefore we might expect one very dynamic and tough contest. The hosts are in a solid form, while on the other side, the Rockets lost two of the past three.
Rockets vs. Pelicans Schedule
- Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
- When: Tuesday, February 9, 7:30 PM ET
- How to Watch: TNT
Rockets vs. Pelicans Odds
Rockets vs. Pelicans Preview
Chemistry Still Developing in Houston
We are tired of saying this, but people do wait a little longer before taking a shot at the Rockets. This team just went through major changes and is still a massive contender for the playoff spot. Houston lost its franchise icon and received a bunch of new players. Plus, there is a new coach involved, so stop there for a moment before criticizing Wall and the Co.
They lost at home to the San Antonio Spurs, 111-106 in the previous game, without Christian Wood, who is the top scorer of this crew. Wall was there to jump in and scored 27 points with 7 assists, and Eric Gordon dropped 26 off the bench with seven boards.
Meanwhile, Wood scores 22 buckets per night with 55.8% shooting and adds superb 10.2 rebounds each night. This fella had a rocky way up to here and is not taking every chance put in front of him.
Pelicans Spreading Their Wings
New Orleans’ youngsters have shown their full potential in the past three matches, in which they’ve beaten the Suns, Pacers, and the Grizzlies. Pelicans scored at least 114 points in each of those events.
The one vs. Memphis was the latest, 118-109, and in the same, the Pels had three players with 20 or more points. The most efficient one was Zion Williamson, with 29 points, missing just four of his 14 attempts from the game. Brandon Ingram recorded a double-double with 27 points and 12 boards, adding five threes. Eric Bledsoe had one of his best games since arriving in Louisiana, 21 buckets.
They had a good shooting percentage ins this event, 51.7% from the field, and 15 threes hit in 33 attempts. The biggest reason for their victory was the turnovers, with Van Gundy’s side having just 7 of them. Memphis had 10 more.
Rockets vs. Pelicans Head to Head
Houston already defeated New Orleans this year, 126-112 on the penultimate day of January. The game took place in Louisiana, but that wasn’t a problem for the Rockets, who demolished the hosts in the second period, dropping 48 points and conceding 22.
Rockets vs. Pelicans Pick and Prediction
The Rockets will come to New Orleans following a tough matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. Regardless of the result of that event, the energy bar of Texas’ franchise will be pretty empty, and in our opinion, the Pels will use that in the best possible way.
