Houston Rockets Game Day vs New Orleans Pelicans, 12.10.16

The Houston Rockets finish their series in China with the second game versus the New Orleans Pelicans.

It’s becoming second nature for the Houston Rockets to post 128 points per game. In fact through 3 games this preseason that is the Rockets average scoring total per game.

Granted their opponents have been the Shanghai Sharks, retooled New York Knicks and a New Orleans Pelicans team not at full strength.

Albeit that same Pelican team boasts the second highest points per game in the Association.

Wednesday morning finds the same two teams tipping off in China, this time in Beijing.

Next: Starting line-ups and depth chart

Mar 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts while playing against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second half at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 100-95. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Starting Line-Ups:

Houston Rockets:

Point Guard: James Harden

Shooting Guard: Eric Gordon

Small Forward: Trevor Ariza

Power Forward: Ryan Anderson

Center: Clint Capela

Look for Mike D’Antoni to utilize reserves who didn’t see action in Beijing as he continues to tinker with his line-ups. And, perhaps D’Antoni will be seeking to find some semblance of defense in this match as it certainly was no where to be found Sunday.

Rockets Depth Chart:

Point Guard: Tyler Ennis, Pablo Prigioni, Bobby Brown,

Shooting Guard: K.J. McDaniels, Gary Payton II, Isaiah Taylor

Small Forward: Sam Dekker, Corey Brewer, P.J. Hairston

Power Forward: Kyle Wiltjer, Montrezl Harrell

Center: Nene Hilario, Chinanu Onuaku

Pelicans Starting Line-up:

Point Guard: Either Tim Frazier

Shooting Guard: E’Twaun Moore

Small Forward: Solomon Hill

Power Forward: Anthony Davis

Center: Alexis Ajinca

Pelicans Depth Chart:

Point Guard: Quinn Cook, Langston Galloway

Shooting Guard: Buddy Hield, Lance Stephenson, Shawn Dawson, Alonzo Gee

Small Forward: Chris Copeland

Power Forward: Terrence Jones, Cheick Diallo, Dante Cunningham

Center: Omer Asik

Next: Game Particulars

Oct 14, 2015, Shanghai, China; Houston Rocket former center Yao Ming watches the Los Angeles Clippers lose to the Charlotte Hornets. His wife Ye Li and daughter Yao Qinlei, whose English name is Amy also watch. The Clippers lose to the Hornets 113-71. Mandatory Credit: Danny La-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s the particulars for the Houston Rockets versus the New Orleans Pelicans Wednesday Game.

Walking Wounded:

Pelicans: New Orleans picks up exactly where they left off last season with numerous injuries to contend with:

Jrue Holiday remains out to be with his wife who is dealing with brain cancer

Tyreke Evans is still recovering from a knee injury sustained last season. Rotoworld notes Evans said he sustained a blood clot in his calf following his most recent knee surgery. Evans will be out until December at a minimum.

Terrence Jones is doubtful for Wednesday with a right knee contusion

Robert Sacre: Right foot – won’t play in Wednesday’s game.

Quincy Pondexter: Will be out until at least November with his knee injury.

Alexis Ajinca: Suffered back spasms, but is listed as questionable for Wednesday

Rockets:

Patrick Beverley did not travel with the team due to his own knee issues

Donatas Motiejunas remains unsigned and therefore did not travel with the team

Venue:

Le Sports Center,Beijing, China

Radio and Television Providers:

In Houston and Area: Root Sports

Worldwide: NBA League Pass

Game Time: 6:30 AM CT and 7:30 AM EST

Next: Summer Roster Moves

Nov 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon (10) dribbles the ball against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated New Orleans 100-81. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

A look at the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans offers insight into the 2 teams changes from last season.

Rockets Summer Moves:

Draft Picks :

Round 2: Chinanu Onuaku (37), Zhou Qi (43)

Rookies signed after draft: Gary Payton II signed for 3yrs, Kyle Wiltjer and Isaiah Taylor

Incoming:

Ryan Anderson 4-years, $80M exits Pelicans
Eric Gordon 4-years, $53M exits Pelicans
Nene Hilario on a 1 year, $2.9M exits Wizards
Pablo Prigioni on a 2-year veteran minimum deal exits Clippers
Tyler Ennis on a trade that sent Michael Beasley to the Bucks

Extended:

James Harden signed 4-year, $118M contract extension

Exiting:

Dwight Howard agrees to 3-year $70.5M deal with Hawks
Terrence Jones signed a 1-year deal with Pelicans
Jason Terry signs 1-year veteran minimum deal with Bucks
Michael Beasley traded to Bucks in exchange for Tyler Ennis

RFA Qualifying Offer:

Donatas Motiejunas Rockets extended qualifying offer which expired October 1st, remains unresolved

Unresolved:

Josh Smith

Pelicans Summer Moves:

Draft Picks:

Round 1: Buddy Hield (6)

 Round 2: Cheick Diallo (33)

Incoming:

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:

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
Kendrick Perkins

Next: Keys To Continuing Win Streak

Jan 25, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) argues an officials call during the fourth quarter of a game against the Houston Rockets at the Smoothie King Center. The Rockets defeated the Pelicans 112-111. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Balance of offense versus defense: The Houston Rockets have proven they can score when it counts – – and then some. Now Houston need to take advantage of this high scoring Pelican’s team to work on their defensive side of the ball.

Which trends will continue:

Do the the Rockets score over 128 points?
Will James Harden register another double digit assist effort?
Does K.J. McDaniels continue to impress D’Antoni earning even more playing time?
Can Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon replicate their efforts versus their former squad?
Will upstart rookie Buddy Hield have another solid showing