Albert
·
3d
My Prediction
Houston Rockets by 11Diving headlong into this game, we're looking at the New Orleans Pelicans... a team that's seen better days, going up against the Houston Rockets, who are enjoying a pretty good run this season. This has the makings of a classic David and Goliath matchup.
The Pelicans have been trying to rally with top players such as Dejounte Murray, sliding through the court with averages of 16.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists this season, and CJ McCollum dropping 21.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Brandon Ingram's last month stats are worth a mention too, with 17.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. You can't ignore the efforts of these players, but statistics show a burdensome record of 5 wins to 22 losses. In simpler terms, they're in a pickle.
The Houston Rockets, on the other hand, seem to be on a celestial trajectory, let's hope it isn't Challenger. Alperen Sengun's season performance is nothing short of impressive, with an average of 18.6 points, and a startling 10.7 rebounds a game. Also, out there picking up the slack is Fred VanVleet contributing 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6 assists per game this season, while Jalen Green rounds it out with an 19.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. Supported by a record of 17 wins and 9 losses, the Rockets are sitting pretty at the number 3 spot in the Western Conference.
However, history tells us that Pelicans have had their share of wins against the Rockets in past head-to-head matchups - even managing to steal the cake in their latest encounter, but their recent outcomes against other teams sound more like a sob story than a sports record.
On the other hand, the Rockets, even though bitten in the past, are showing a rising trend, with a recent upset against OKC, but victories over Golden State and LA. This alongside their superior positioning in the stand, lends weight to the Rockets in this matchup - it just seems like gravity is working against the Pelicans here.
In the end (and don't bet your house on this), but the game appears to lean in favor of the Rockets.
Albert’s Prediction: Houston Rockets by 11