The Houston Rockets open a five-game homestand that features 5 losable video games.
“But Armin,” you say, “the New Orleans Pelicans are 22-45! They suck!”
“Well actually,” I reply as I push my glassed up the bridge of my nostril, “the Pelicans are 7-3 over their final 10 video games. That consists of wins over the Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriror, and Philadelphia 76ers. All three losses got here on the street to good groups. Oh, and the Pelicans have already got an unbelievable win over the Rockets again in December. Trust me, I used to be there and it sucked.
This present run has coincided with Dejounte Murray’s return to the courtroom. Murray is averaging 17.6 factors, 5.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game in his seven video games again. He’s given the Pelicans one other shot creator and his protection raises the ground for your entire group.
It additionally bears mentioning that the Pelicans don’t personal their very own first spherical decide thanks for the Derrick Queen commerce. They have zero cause to tank, and that is their prime alternative to check proof of idea with their present roster. If they play this effectively for the subsequent month, they’ll hold their roster intact and add across the edges in an try and make a playoff push subsequent season. If the group begins shedding, they’ll determine whether or not a full or mushy rebuild is the higher route. Murray, Herbert Jones, and Trey Murphy III are going to have suitors and every in all probability nets at the very least a primary spherical decide.
After tonight, the Rockets play the Los Angeles Lakers twice, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Miami Heat (on a back-to-back) in Houston.
The Line (as of this submit)
Looking forward as a result of we will
Monday night time at house towards the Los Angeles Lakers
