Published on: Feb 6, 2022 10:40 pm IST|Updated on: Feb 6, 2022 10:40 pm IST
HOU vs NOP Dream11: The NBA trade deadline is near and my phone has been buzzing with a large number of trade rumors. It means some big-time exchanges are brewing right now and I expect the upcoming morning or the morning after that to bring some big news flash and a large movement of players from one team to another. By now all teams have gauged and identified the issues that are to be addressed and players have also learned whether they fit in the current system, sometimes the trades can be win-win for both parties, but hey, it sure isn’t that simple always? Anyway, the two teams here in Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans may be active soon.
The Rockets are struggling once again this season, going on big losing streaks and they have been unable to compose a substantial season with multiple players still learning the NBA system on both ends. While Christian Wood has brought a lot to the table, wouldn’t the Rockets gauge the market to get something big in return? What is Wood’s value?
On the other hand, the Pelicans have been struggling for the large parts but they still have a strong frontline and once Zion returns, they can form a strong trio in terms of the wing, big Forward, and Center positions. The Pelicans have issues to shore up in terms of the bench and there are rumours that the team may trade Josh Hart. Host: Houston Rockets Visitors: New Orleans Pelicans Match Timing: 7 February, @ 05:30 AM Venue: Toyota Center
Rockets: What can they offer? Suppose the Rockets craft a trade around Wood, Gordon, and Tate? What value can they bring? Which teams need a strong Center, a two-way wing, and a veteran bench scorer, well, some teams can be interested in these kinds of trades. Lakers could have been a player but they don’t have the pieces to offer(Or do they?) and this trade can certainly transform their season in my opinion because it addresses the problem of having a substantial two-way player and a strong Center. However, there is mere speculation and all of the three players can end up staying but hey, isn’t speculating fun when it comes to sports.
Right now, the Rockets have been rebuilding so the focus must be on the development of the young backcourt Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green. Kevin Porter can become a Darius Garland type of player if he is surrounded with a sharpshooting big Forward and a high-octane wing. Meanwhile, Green really needs to learn to apply himself on the defensive end and a lot of other areas but is giving a strong vibe when it comes to inside finishes and shooting. Minutes can open up for rookie Alperen Sengun, who can be an all-around player, but has ways to go. Meanwhile, Josh Christopher, Kenyon Martin Jr., and Garrison Mathews have showcased a lot of potential.
Pelicans: How will they approach this? Zion Williamson’s injury ruptured the roster balance for a Pelicans team that looked strong after bringing in Jonas Valanciunas in the offseason. A frontcourt of Zion, Ingram, and Valanciunas does look strong but the team still needs to shore up other areas. The Pelicans are rumored to be trading Josh Hart and perhaps piece around a deal around him that brings in someone who can shore up the offense I guess? But I doubt if the deal will only revolve around Hart but overall, I will not be surprised if the team lands someone who can hit the long-range jumper on a high note.
The long-range shooting has certainly been a problem for the Pelicans that has hot around 32% and figure among bottom squads both in made three-pointers and the percentage. This is why I think if the team brings a high-quality perimeter shooter, they can scrap up more wins. With Ingram at the wing, you do get quality isolation scoring, Valanciunas can wreak havoc too both rebounding-wise and scoring-wise. However, Graham has been a bit off from long range while the team has had troubles in terms of bench scoring throughout the season. Jaxson Hayes has shown some promise and I personally feel Nickeil Alexander-Walker can do better in the main five but as of now, I am not even sure if some of these players will be here soon. Houston Rockets | New Orleans Pelicans Games: 52| 52 Wins: 15| 20 Defeats: 37| 32
Houston Rockets Team News
Rockets Expected Starting Five
Wing: PF: Jae’Sean Tate Middle: C: Christian Wood Guards: SG: Eric Gordon | SG: Jalen Green | PG: Kevin Porter Jr.
BENCH: Kenyon Martin Jr., Dawid Nwaba, Alperen Sengun, Armoni Brooks, Josh Christopher, Daishen Nix. New Orleans Pelicans News
Pelicans Expected Starting Five
Wings: SF: Brandon Ingram | PF: Herbert Jones Middle: C: Jaxson Hayes | C: Jonas Valanciunas Guards: PG: Devonte Graham
BENCH: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Gary Clarke, Naji Marshall, Jose Alvarado, Trey Murphy III, Wenyen Gabriel, Tomas Satoransky.
Christian Wood(HOU ) Points: 13 Rebounds: 11 Assists: 01 Blocks: 02 Christian has been a strong rebounder and scorer in the middle for the Rockets and leads them in both points and rebounds. Wood has been scoring around 20 points and around 10 rebounds a game regularly this season. The Center can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 36-47
Jonas Valanciunas(NOP) Points: 18 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 04 Jonas has been having another solid season in the middle, clasping rebounds and also scoring in a myriad of ways. Valanciunas has scored around 16-18 points and has grabbed 10+ rebounds a game regularly lately. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 29-39
Jae’Sean Tate (HOU ) Points: 11 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 03 Steals: 01 The wing is perhaps the best defensive presence on the perimeter for the Rockets. Jae’Sean has been scoring in the 11-15 points range while grabbing around 4 rebounds a game. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 23-33
Brandon Ingram (NOP) Points: 24 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 12 Steals: 01 Ingram has become one of the most high-yielding scorers at the wing position and keeps impressing with his all-around feel for the game. The Forward has scored 22-26 points, dishes 4-8 assists a game and grabs around 5 rebounds a game regularly. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 35-46 Herbert Jones(NOP) Points: 25 Rebounds: 02 Assists: 00 Steals: 02 Herbert has been a big-time rookie and his production on the offensive end has improved while his defense has been huge at the wing position. The Forward has been the single figures, 10s, and 20s alternately. I expect a 10-16 points range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 19-31
Kevin Porter Jr.(HOU) Points: 05 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 01 Steals: 01 Porter Jr. has been leading the Rockets in assists once again this season and also has increased his scoring. The Guard has been in the 15+ points and 5+ assists range quite a bit recently. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 24-33
PG: J Green SG: K Porter Jr SF: B Ingram(SP), J Christopher C: J Hayes, K Martin C: J Valanciunas, C Wood(PP) If you like our Dream11 Prediction Tips, please share this article with your friends, who are also interested in playing Dream11 Fantasy Leagues. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, Telegram, and YouTube for the best Dream11 Fantasy Tips.
Unfortunately, with Voot and JIO TV not streaming this game, there is only one viable option in my opinion. The NBA League Pass is a big-time option if you want to catch the live stream of this game. You can buy the annual subscription to get access to all live streams and also the full game replays. You can specifically buy this game for a one-time watch. For getting the scorers, stats, and news, go through the official website of the NBA or download the NBA app.