In the second game of a road back-to-back, veteran guards John Wall and Eric Gordon will each return when Houston visits Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and the surging New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. Wall and Gordon sat out Monday in Charlotte, when the short-handed Rockets lost to the hot-shooting Hornets, 119-94 (box score).
Ten days ago, the Rockets easily defeated the Pelicans in the same arena (Smoothie King Center) where Tuesday’s game will take place. But in that game, star big man Christian Wood led all players in points (27) and rebounds (9), while Victor Oladipo added 20 points in 25 minutes.
On Tuesday, Wood (right ankle sprain) and Oladipo will both be out, with the latter resting on night two of the back-to-back. That will make it much more challenging to defeat the Pelicans for a second time. With Monday’s loss, the Rockets are 0-2 since losing Wood to his second ankle injury.
New Orleans also has the advantages of being at home, more rested, and with momentum from a three-game winning streak. With a win, the Pelicans would pass Houston in the Southwest Division standings.
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Here’s when you should tune in to see Tuesday’s game:
- Date: Tuesday, Feb. 9
- Time: 6:30 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: TNT
- Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (11-12)
- Guard: John Wall
- Guard: Eric Gordon
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Forward: PJ Tucker
- Center: DeMarcus Cousins
New Orleans Pelicans (10-12)
- Guard: Lonzo Ball
- Guard: Eric Bledsoe
- Forward: Brandon Ingram
- Forward: Zion Williamson
- Center: Steven Adams
The good news for the Rockets is that they’re 9-5 when Wall plays this season, including 7-1 when he does so without James Harden. Thus, his return is a welcome development to head coach Stephen Silas. Wall and Gordon will replace Oladipo and Danuel House Jr. from Monday’s starting lineup, with House returning to his usual bench role.
It’s the first of two consecutive NBA on TNT appearances by the Rockets, who will also be featured in Thursday’s home game versus Miami.
Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
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