Game Thread: First back-to-back of season could produce atypical rotations in Pelicans vs Rockets matchup

Tonight marks uncharted territory. The Pelicans will be playing on consecutive nights for the first time this season and Stan Van Gundy admitted in pregame that he may have to rely on greater rotations.

“Every game has its own personality,” Van Gundy said. “You’ve got to get into it and see. Certainly we’re prepared to go deeper into the bench than we did last night. We’ll just see how the game plays out.”

The two players that I’m watching closest are Lonzo Ball and Steven Adams. After twisting an ankle right before halftime against the Wizards, Ball’s ankle might be a little stiff after playing 25 minutes last night versus Milwaukee. Adams, on the other hand, is coming off 38 grueling minutes — his largest stint of minutes on the season — where he not only had his usual set of responsibilities but was also tasked with primarily slowing down Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Will JJ Redick return to the regular rotation? Could Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Nicolo Melli or Jaxson Hayes receive greater run? A Kira Lewis Jr. or possibly Wenyen Gabriel sighting ahead? Tune in to find out!

For more on tonight’s matchup, please give our preview a read.

Who: New Orleans Pelicans (7-10) vs Houston Rockets (8-9)

When: January 30, 7:00 p.m. Central

Where to watch: FSNO

Where to listen: ESPN 100.3 FM

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