Tomorrow the Rockets will face the Pelicans, and the importance of this game cannot be overstated. Compared to the previous two preseason games against the Jazz and Thunder, the Pelicans are more modest, and both teams are contenders in the Southwest Division, which directly affects the competition for playoff spots. Therefore, the pedagogical value of this game is significantly higher.
1. Changes in alignment
The Pelicans have undergone personnel changes this summer, with the departure of starting center Varland and backup center Nance Jr., Jones will serve as the starting center for the new season, and the addition of Dejounte · Murray has also strengthened the guard line. This makes the opposition gap between the two sides even closer.
**Key Points**:
- How does Jones' defensive ability affect the Rockets' offense? As a center, he will face the Rockets' pick-and-roll tactics, and the Rockets will need to use the pick-and-roll to create misplaced singles opportunities.
- Will Green be able to use his pace to break through and find scoring opportunities against Murray's defense? Will the Pelicans' defensive strategy against Green be adjusted last season?
2. Shen Jing's misalignment advantage
Shin Kyung's height and technique on the inside make it an important weapon for the Rocket's offense. When the Pelicans are defending, there will inevitably be a player against Shen Jing.
**Key Points**:
- How did the Rockets use the pick-and-roll to swap CJ · McCollum and Murray to Shin Kyung to create a misalignment advantage? If successful, it will create plenty of scoring opportunities for the Rockets.
- Conversely, Xi'an's misalignment advantage on the offensive end also exists, and the Rockets need to consider how to effectively deal with Xi'an's interior threat.
3. Challenges on the defensive end
The Rockets need to pay special attention to the pick-and-roll coordination of CJ · McCollum and Murray on the defensive end. Their offense is diverse, and the Rockets must develop an effective defensive strategy.
**Key Points**:
- How to avoid CJ · McCollum and Murray using pick-and-roll single-point attacks on Shin Kyung? The Rockets need to strengthen their defense to ensure that they can quickly return to the defense when the opponent attacks.
- When Jones and Murray defend the Rockets' perimeter players, how can the Rockets use quick passes and cut-ins to tear apart the Pelicans' defense?
Tomorrow's game will be an important moment for the Rockets to test their new lineup, and how to effectively use the positional advantage and strengthen defensive coordination will directly affect the outcome of the game. Fans are expecting the Rockets to show a higher level of competition in this crucial battle.