Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Hornets preseason game preview

The Rockets look to improve to 2-0 in the our depth is better than your depth competition preseason tonight.

I expect the same starters for the Rockets as Wednesday. As always, players may be injured or resting, Royce White won't be playing, and we're at war with Eurasia. We've always been at war with Eurasia.

Matchups:

PG: Jeremy Lin vs. Brian Roberts

Roberts is a rookie out of Dayton.

Jeremy Lin is the most awesomest person in the entire history of everything. He makes Michael Jordan look like a joke. Frankly, the Rockets didn't pay him enough, but Lin is so humble he was willing to play for nothing. Just his presence on the Rockets makes the Astros better. He has stopped six potential World War IIIs this morning alone. He had a 8.6 GPA when a 4.0 was the highest, and he didn't even go to that one class. He's up for a part in The Expendables 3. He's the fastest, longest, smartest, coolest, best shoootingest, nicest, bestest, amazingest, Linnest person in the entire world and could win the 2012 election if he wanted to.

That about cover it? Personally I like "Linnest."

SG: Kevin Martin vs. Austin Rivers

Three quarters K-Mart is back! Dominates early, disappears late. It seemed like he was invisible in the fourth quarter in the last game.

SF: Chandler Parsons vs. Al-Farouq Aminu

Parsons seems more confident in his jump shot. That's going to be key for the Rockets in years to come. If he can gain some consistency there and hone his slashing game he'll be super scary.

I also want to mention that I came up with the Chandler Bang nickname before anyone else. I don't normally take credit for things like this, but this is mine! MY PRECIOUS!

PF: Patrick Patterson vs. Anthony Davis

It's our first look at a player who's going to be in our division (hangs head) for a long time.

Patterson looked more confident is his entire game against the Thunder. It looks like the bone spur issue/sophomore slump might be behind him. And that's great news for the Rockets. And bad news for the Bears.

C: Omer Asik vs. Robin Lopez

Asik didn't look poorly conditioned against the Thunder. It's one game, but I must say I was impressed. Also, when do we get a definitive pronunciation of "Asik?" I've heard "Ah-sheek, Ah-sick, and Ah-seek." I was under the impression that it was the first one. Anyone know for sure? And saying, "Bill Worrell said it this way," does not constitute a sure answer.

Players to watch: Hornets

Rivers and Davis: Duh

Eric Gordon is unlikely to play, but if he does, he's here.

Players to watch: Rockets

Someone who can make a three pointer

Marcus Morris: He played well until Thabeet clobbered him.

Greg Smith: Because Patrick and Christian need this.

Predictions? Thoughts? Let us know in the comments. And there will be a game thread, though I don't know when.