The 2018-19 NBA season tips off on Tuesday night, and each team is set to play this week. On Wednesday night, the Houston Rockets will host the New Orleans Pelicans in a Western Conference battle. Both the Rockets and Pelicans were playoff teams a season ago, and each team has the same expectations this season.
The Houston Rockets were best regular season team in the NBA last season, and their offense was one of the most effective units in the league. Houston went 4-1 during the preseason, and appear ready for the regular season to begin. The New Orleans Pelicans went 0-5 during the preseason, but have a veteran roster that will be ready to go on Wednesday night. The Houston Rockets are a 7.5 point favorite over the Pelicans in this game.
Harden Set To Lead Rockets
Veteran James Harden is ready to lead the Rockets to another successful season, and hopefully an NBA Finals Title. Harden won the Most Valuable Player last season after averaging more than 30 points and eight assists per game last season. Harden should have another monster season for the Rockets and could very easily repeat as the league’s MVP.
The Houston Rockets will once again feature an uptempo style, and will shoot a ton of three point shots. The Rockets attempted over 42 three-pointers a game last season but will need to make a high percentage of them in this game. Wednesday night will also be the Rockets debut for veteran Carmelo Anthony, who should provide Houston with more scoring and leadership.
Davis Looking For Help
The New Orleans Pelicans will feature a different roster this season, but they will still be led by Anthony Davis. The All-Star power forward averaged a whopping 28.1 points and 11.1 rebounds per game a season ago. Davis is widely considered one of the top players in the NBA, but he will need help if the Pelicans are gonna knock off the Houston Rockets in this game.
Two of the best New Orleans players from a season ago have now moved on to different teams in the Western Conference. All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins signed a free agent contract with the Golden State Warriors and Rajon Rondo is now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. Point guard Jrue Holiday should provide the Pelicans will scoring in this game, but New Orleans still needs to improve it’s roster.
Rockets Blow Out Pelicans in Opener
The Houston Rockets come into this season with a lot to prove after blowing a 3-2 series lead against the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. Houston looked sharp in the preseason, and their offense will be ready to go in this game.
The New Orleans Pelicans were a great team last season, but losing Cousins and Rondo will hurt. Anthony Davis is a top-5 NBA player, but he won’t be able to take down the Rockets by himself. Look for the Rockets to blow out the Pelicans in their home opener. Bet the Houston Rockets -7.5 over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
