Houston Writer Offers Perspective On In-Season Tournament Matchup With Pelicans
The Pelicans travel to Houston to take on the Rockets Friday night in the Toyota Center. This matchup features two teams beginning their NBA In-Season Tournament games. Houston is the winner of their last four games, while New Orleans enters the game having lost three straight. The first annual In-Season Tournament for the NBA has produced some exciting games to start.
Terry Kimble from the Pelicans Scoop Podcast recently sat down with Inside the Rockets writer Jeremy Brener to discuss Houston's winning streak, first-year Coach Ime Udoka, and the matchup with the Pelicans Friday night.
Pelicans Scoop: Houston started the year 0-3, but is now on a four-game winning streak. What has been the biggest key to their turnaround?
Jeremy Brener: The Rockets are beginning to find their rhythm. It took a few games, but it’s there now. I also think playing at home has definitely helped, but even in their losses, only the opener in Orlando was a blowout. They have been in every game since because they’ve played smart, sound basketball and their veterans have set everyone up really well.
Pelicans Scoop: Last season the Rockets didn't get their fourth win until after Thanksgiving. How good of a job has Ime Udoka done in changing the culture in Houston?
Jeremy Brener: Defense is key. The Rockets are becoming a defensive-minded group and it’s lovely to see. Ime Udoka also has a no-BS attitude about him that rubs off on everyone really well. He’s been the perfect replacement for Stephen Silas, who didn’t have the same kind of urgency nor hold on the locker room.
Oct 29, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka talks with center Alperen Sengun (28) and guard Jalen Green (4) during the game against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Pelicans Scoop: Give me a stat for Friday night's game to look out for that could swing the game in either team's favor.
Jeremy Brener: The Pelicans’ last two losses came against two of the top three defensive teams in the league in the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets. The Rockets are currently fourth in defensive rating at 106.7. The Pelicans need to overcome these staunch defenses, and tonight is another opportunity against the Rockets.
Pelicans Scoop: What's a matchup that you are looking forward to seeing?
Jeremy Brener: Jabari Smith Jr. has the chance to become the Rockets’ top defender in the front court, so it’s always nice to see him face off against other teams with top power forwards like Zion Williamson. They played once last year early when Jabari was a sprouting rookie, so I’ll be curious to see if he can display some growth tonight.
Pelicans Scoop: What's your prediction for Friday’s game?
Jeremy Brener: I think the Rockets are coming in hot and that’s going to help tremendously against a Pelicans team coming in cold that’s also without CJ McCollum among several key players. Rockets 112, Pelicans 105
