Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Preview

Oct 5, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jrue Holiday (11) attempts to score during the second quarter as Houston Rockets power forward Terrence Jones (6) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Keys for the Houston Rockets vs the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday night.

Don’t Underestimate The Opponent

While the Pelicans currently stand at 11th place in the west(13-14), they’ve compiled a 5-2 record against the southwest division. The Rockets have had their problems against sub .500 teams so far this season, and it showed again Thursday night against the Memphis Grizzlies when they were outplayed for the first 3 quarters. The intensity and tone must be set early on.

Front Court Battle

Anthony Davis is showing his potential as he’s averaging 19.2 points and 10.1 rebounds while having a PER of over 27, and Ryan Anderson leads the team, averaging over 20 points and 6.4 rebounds, while shooting 43 percent from behind the 3-point line. Dwight Howard must establish himself in the low post, and coming off his worst game as a Rocket in which he scored just 2 points because of foul trouble, look for him to have some added motivation to redeem himself.

Point Guard Matchup

This is yet another test for Jeremy Lin after outplaying both Tony Parker and Mike Conley on back-to-back nights. Jrue Holiday is having another solid season, averaging 15.2 points, 8.1 assists, and shooting over 46 percent from the field, and with Aaron Brooks injured after twisting his ankle Thursday night, Lin may have to carry the load for most of the game if he isn’t able to go.

Tip: 7 PM CT

TV: CSN Houston