Houston Rockets Game 47 of 2015-16 Season vs Pelicans

Houston Rockets Game 47 of 2015-16 saw the squad tipping off versus inter division rivals the New Orleans Pelicans.

Jan 25, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Houston Rockets center Josh Smith (5) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 47 of 2015-16 versus the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Houston Rockets added draft picks and signed free agents to improve upon an especially mediocre 41-41 campaign. Big man Dwight Howard left for Atlanta while free agents Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon, Nene Hilario and Pablo Prigioni joined Houston in free agency.

Hopes are these additions and the growth of existing assets will translate into a season similar to 2014-15. While fans wait for opening night on October 26th versus the Lakers hopefully this series will appease your cravings.

To that end, this series showcases the Rockets 82 games noting the pregame analysis, post game grades, and relevant video. Furthermore, SCS will highlight significant changes made by their opponents this summer. So, here it is – – enjoy all 82 posts as SCS takes you back over the 2015-16 season.

Game 47 – New Orleans Pelicans/h]

Pregame Analysis:

The full pregame analysis article which can be viewed via this link.

The Houston Rockets will look to continue their spirited efforts as of late as they visit the New Orleans Pelicans in a match up that features two teams who seem to be peaking offensively at the right time. With the playoff stretch inching closer and closer, the Rockets have secured a nice cushion ahead of those competing for the 8th seed winning seven of their last ten outings. New Orleans however are on the outside looking in with a record of 16-27 leaving them four games outside of playoff contention.

Despite the slim hopes of post season access, the Pelicans have shown signs of life through an impressive three game winning streak limiting opponents to exactly 99 points each game while scoring an average of 115.

Post Game Analysis:

Crazy to look back at a season where the Rockets often beat up the team they stole 2 free agents from. Coty Davis provide the post game review and player grades.

Is it me, or do the Houston Rockets look like a team with championship aspirations again! After one of the most convincing victories of the season, the Rockets were back in action in the Big Easy, as they took on Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans on the second night of a back to back series.

Although the Rockets jumped out to an early 12-point lead, Houston is still guilty of falling back into bad habits which they did by allowing New Orleans to come back and take a two point lead at halftime. However, unlike previous games the Rockets never hung their heads and opened up the third quarter on a 18-0 run. Even with Davis leaving in the second quarter (concussion), the Pelicans battled back and made this a nail bitter as the lead see-sawed back and forth even late into the fourth quarter.

Thanks to James Harden and Trevor Ariza down the stretch, the Rockets held on to win their third straight game in a row. Things are looking up for the Rockets who should only improve once Dwight Howard returns from his ankle injury.

Stat Leaders:

A+. Perhaps player benefiting the most from Bickerstaff’s small lineup change in recent games is Ariza. During the first quarter, he put on his best Stephen Curry impersonation shooting 85.7 percent from the field, and was a perfect four for four from behind the arc. Not only did Ariza have a great start to the game offensively, but held Pelicans’ All-Star Anthony Davis to four first quarter points. The best part about Ariza’s first half performance, it carried over into the second. By far the best night of the season for the 2009 NBA Champ! 31 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block, (8-11) from the arc.. SF. Houston Rockets. TREVOR ARIZA

NBA.com provides full box score which can be viewed via this link.

Rockets Games vs New Orleans Pelicans 2016-17

December 16th at home
February 23rd in New Orleans at Smoothie King Arena
March 17th in New Orleans at Smoothie King Arena
March 24th at home

Draft Picks and Free Agents

Draft Picks:

Round 1: Buddy Hield (6)

Round 2: Cheick Diallo (33)

Incoming Free Agents/trade:

E’Twaun Moore 4-year, $34M from
Solomon Hill 4-years, $52M from Pacers
Langston Galloway 2-years (undisclosed financials) from Knicks
Terrence Jones signs a 1-year deal exits Houston
Robert Sacre signs summer league/training camp contract

Exiting Free Agents/traded:

Ryan Anderson 4-years, $80M to Rockets
Eric Gordon 4-years, $53M to Rockets
Jordan Hamilton signed overseas

Re-upping:

Re-signed Tim Frazier 2-years, $4M deal
Alonzo Gee reported 1-year deal, $1.4M deal

Unresolved:

Norris Cole (T-Wolves showing interest)
Kendrick Perkins (due to relationship with Durant the Warriors have expressed interest)

More Free Agent News

Next: Updated Free Agency Report

Next: Free Agency Profiles for all 30 Teams

Due to the large Houston Rockets fan base, SCS is always looking to add new talent to our writing team. To that end, we’re looking for individuals with a specialized focus. Specifically, the first area is perfect for someone who constantly surfs for breaking news on injuries, trades, insider info. Consequently this individual would select top news items providing timely quick hits to keep SCS readers in the loop.

The other writer would possess an especially strong social media background and would like to interact with Clutch City Fans. Therefore this person will promote SCS team content on facebook and twitter. As a result the successful candidate will make sure to promote the best content coming from H-Town fans. In conclusion, if you’re a budding writer who possesses these qualities vist the SCS link, and fill out an application

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