Hornets Gameday: vs. Houston Rockets
7 p.m., Spectrum Center
TV: Fox Sports Southeast Radio: WFNZ-AM 610.
Projected Starters
Hornets | Rockets | |||||
Pos, Player | PPG | RPG | Pos, Player | PPG | RPG | |
G K. Walker | 22.7 | 4 | G J. Harden | 28.9 | 8.2 | |
G N. Batum | 14.9 | 7.2 | G. P. Beverley | 9.2 | 5.8 | |
F M. Kidd-Gilchrist | 9.2 | 7.4 | F T. Ariza | 11.8 | 5.5 | |
F M. William | 11.3 | 5.6 | F R. Anderson | 13.8 | 5.1 | |
TBD | C C. Capela | 11.9 | 7.6 | |||
Matchup to Watch
James Harden vs. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/etc.: Harden is a contender for NBA Most Valuable Player. Kidd-Gilchrist is a logical first option defensively. Several players might take a turn guarding Harden.
Observations
▪ The Hornets hope to get back center Cody Zeller, who is listed as questional with a quad contusion. He has missed the past seven games with that injury.
▪ The Rockets had a huge night in 3-point shooting in their victory over the Hornets in Houston this season. They made 17 of their 39 attempts.
Tap-ins
▪ While the Hornets have lost 12 in a row in Houston, they won last season’s home game against the Rockets.
▪ The Hornets will be without backup point guard Ramon Sessions four to six weeks after he had surgery on his left knee to repair a torn meniscus.
Did you know?
Harden totaled 40 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in his last meeting with the Hornets.
Rick Bonnell
This story was originally published February 8, 2017 at 4:16 PM with the headline "Hornets Gameday: vs. Houston Rockets."