New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets: 5 Questions Ahead of In-Season Tournament Opener

The Houston Rockets are set to host their first In-Season Tournament game on Friday against their Southwest Division rival New Orleans Pelicans.

To learn more about the Rockets' opponent, we spoke with Pelicans Scoop writer Terry Kimble.

1. The Pelicans started off the season 4-1, but have lost three straight games. What’s been the reason behind the team’s recent slide?

Lack of player availability for the Pelicans is the biggest culprit. Their 'Big 3' of Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Brandon Ingram have played just two games together this year. The Pels are 2-0 in those games.

Three key rotation players from a year ago, Trey Murphy III, Jose Alvarado, and Naji Marshall have yet to play a minute on the court this season. At one point during Wednesday night's loss to Minnesota, the Pelicans had 3 players on 2-way contracts on the court at the same time.

It's becoming a guess at this point who is in and who is out of the lineup on a game by game basis. The Pelicans have to get healthy at some point, it's just has not happened yet.

2. If the Pelicans win Friday, what would be the reason why?

Besides health, it would be how the Pelicans can defend the three-point line.

New Orleans is second in the NBA in opponent 3-point percentage, holding opponents to 31.6% from beyond the arc. The Rockets are Number 3 in the NBA in 3-point shooting so something has to give. The magic number is about 35% for the Pelicans for defensive success.

The Pelicans are 0-3 this season when an opponent shoots over 35% from 3 on them. They are 4-1 when they don't. That should be a major key to the game Friday night.

3. What’s one thing people should know about the Pelicans that they couldn’t find in a box score?

The one thing would be that New Orleans is a deep team. Unfortunately for them, they've had so many injuries that the depth had to be tested to the extreme limits, but there have been unsung heroes all over the roster.

From a guy like Matt Ryan, who signed a two-way contract with the team two weeks ago, he's already started a couple of games and a career-high in points (20) and three-point shots made in a game (6).

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl was just signed this past weekend on a two-way deal and already had to start a game. He posted a near double-double with 11 points and 9 rebounds.

The rookie Jordan Hawkins tied an NBA record for most three-point shots made in the first seven games of their career (20). Fact is, no matter who the Pelicans have had to quickly acclimate in their lineup, those guys have adapted and contributed in some way, shape, or form.

4. What's a matchup that you are looking forward to seeing?

How the Pelicans intend to guard Jabari Smith, Jr. As a rookie last season he averaged a double-double against New Orleans and absolutely destroyed the Pelicans in the preseason this year with 22 points and 9 rebounds on 9/13 shooting.

New Orleans traditionally has trouble playing against athletic power forwards, and with Zion Williamson's availability up in the air for this one, then Jabari Smith Jr could have himself a monster game versus the Pelicans.

5. What's your prediction for Friday’s game?

These are two teams going in opposite directions. The Rockets have won four straight, while the Pelicans have lost three in a row. New Orleans will be without at least three key players on Friday, and possibly Zion Williamson. The Rockets are the healthier team, they are playing better basketball, and are at home. I like the Rockets in this game.