D’Antoni tries to impose will against Pelicans’ inside might

NEW ORLEANS — If ever there was a matchup with a contrast in styles, the Rockets’ game in New Orleans on Friday — pitting the Rockets’ 3-point shooting against the inside strength of All-Star starters Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins — could be the most vivid example.

The Pelicans are second in the NBA in points in the paint, averaging 50 per game. The Rockets score the most points from the 3-point line, averaging 47.4.

“You try to impose your will,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said. “They try to keep their bigs at the rim. We try to get them out from the rim. We’ll see who can do it best. They’re a little bit like San Antonio with two bigs.

“They play that way. We play a completely different way. They’re all healthy and they’re all playing well. They’re very different because usually one of them has been hurt. Now, they’re healthy and having success, and I knew they would.”

Davis did not play in the first meeting with the Rockets, who won 130-123 on Dec. 11. In the three games last season after the Pelicans’ acquisition of Cousins, former Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson averaged 12.6 points, making 8 of 21 3-pointers.

“We stick to our game plan against anybody we play,” Anderson said. “That’s a team we can run, take advantage of mismatches in transition. If they’re going to play two bigs like that, there’s not a lot of teams that play two

bigs. We can take advantage of getting out in the open court and shooting in transition. They’re a solid team. Guys are playing at a high level. They’re a tough team. But we can beat anybody when we stick to our game plan.”

D’Antoni said he would not hesitate to use his small lineups, with either Anderson or P.J. Tucker at center, even against the Pelicans’ size.

“Can we impose our smallness on them and not get hurt by their bigness?”

D’Antoni said. “It’s that simple. You kind of read whatever we need, and Nene will be ready to play and we’ll go from there.”

Gordon’s feelings ease about N.O.

Although Pelicans fans spent Eric Gordon’s visits to New Orleans booing their former guard, Gordon said most — though not all — of the extra feelings he has for games played on his previous home court were spent last season.

“It’s always going to be somewhat meaningful to me, but it’s just another game this time,” Gordon said. “A year went past. I like the team I have now. They have a full squad now and so will we. It will be a good game.”

Gordon stirred up the hurt feelings of fans there when he discussed his unhappiness playing for the Pelicans, calling the situation “dysfunctional” the day before the 3-point shooting contest at the 2017 NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans. He heard boos throughout the competition that he won in overtime.

“That was icing on the cake there, when I won the 3-point contest,” Gordon said. “It’s almost like, that’s enough said. That was a great part of my career, for sure.”

Nene ready to go after resting knee

Center Nene sat out Wednesday’s game largely to get a day off before he is expected to play against the Pelicans’ combination of DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis on Friday in New Orleans.

Coach Mike D’Antoni said Nene banged his right knee in Monday’s game, his third since coming back from a bruised knee, but that he could have played if needed Wednesday in Dallas.

“He bumped his knee last game and with Friday coming up, why wouldn’t we just make sure his knee is OK?” D’Antoni said. “He’s got to be ready to go.”