The New Orleans Pelicans have a tough challenge tonight without Rondo

Tonight, the New Orleans Pelicans will look to get even with the Houston Rockets are losing to them one week ago. However, the challenge against the Rockets may be tougher tonight.

Tonight, the New Orleans Pelicans will face the Houston Rockets on NBA TV. They’ll be in H-Town looking to get even after Houston escaped NOLA with a 107-101 win last Saturday. A win tonight would also even the season series in this final matchup between these two divisional rivals at two games each.

However, the odds are simply not in the Pelicans favor. For one, Rajon Rondo will miss tonight’s game with a sprained right wrist. Nikola Mirotic is questionable with an injured right hip flexor. Although, when you have a player like Anthony Davis anything is possible. Even if the ESPN Matchup predictor is giving the Rockets a booming 83% chance of winning. The Pelicans can still win this game.

The Rockets live and die by two things. Shooting an insane amount of three’s and getting to the foul line as if the refs are wearing Rockets tee-shirts under their stripes. The key to stopping the Rockets is running them off the three-point line, forcing them to take long two-point shots. The biggest key to stopping the Rockets starts with James Harden.

Do not foul James Harden, Do not jump when he pump-fakes before a shot.

I realize this is easier said than done. Harden has a duffle-bag of moves that can lure players into committing fouls. Whether Jrue Holiday guards him or DeAndre Liggins, they’ll have to resist buying into those pump-fakes and flopping arms that Harden uses so well.

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Harden averages 10.3 free-throw attempts per game, he shootings 86% from the line. On any given night, Harden can steal a game from drawing fouls and knocking down step-back three’s.

Then, there’s Chris Paul. Who’s just as crafty at drawing fouls and getting calls. Paul is a penetrate and kick player. Staying in front of Paul is going to be a tough task despite his age. Once Paul gets past you, if the defensive help comes, it’s either a pass to Clint Capela or a pass to an open-shooter.

The Rockets are stacked with shooters and savvy veterans. It’s the reason, they’re the number one team in the NBA. It’s also the reason James Harden will likely win the MVP despite Davis’ putting the Pelicans on his back following the injury to DeMarcus Cousins.

The New Orleans Pelicans have a tough schedule coming up. Following Houston, they’ll face Portland, Cleveland, and Oklahoma City. That’s four games of the NBA’s best ball clubs right now. The Pelicans need to win two of these four to stay high in the standings.

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The Pelicans are one game in front Minnesota (7th) and two games in front of Utah (8th). The game tonight is going to be a challenge, however, they’ll have more chances to keep their playoffs hopes alive after tonight’s game.