NBA Game Day: Pelicans vs. Rockets Launch In-Season Tournament

New Orleans travels to Houston hoping to break a three-game losing streak on Friday, Nov. 10.

The New Orleans Pelicans (4-4) travel to face the Houston Rockets (4-3) Friday night at the Toyota Center in Houston. This is a matchup of teams going in opposite directions. New Orleans heads into the game losers of three straight games, while the Rockets have won their last four games. Both teams open up In-Season Tournament Play on Friday.

Houston's first-year head coach Ime Udoka has his Rockets team playing well to start the season. Last year, the Rockets didn't get their fourth win until after Thanksgiving. This year, Houston's defense is vastly improved, and one of the main reasons for their current win streak.

The Rockets ranked No. 28 last year in opponent scoring per game (118.6). Through seven games this season, the Rockets are fourth in the league in opponent scoring, surrendering 106.7 points a contest, including holding their last three opponents under 100 points. 

Oct 10, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka talks with guard Jalen Green (4) during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Offensively, the Rockets have improved as well. Houston is third in the NBA in three-point shooting this season. Third-year guard Jalen Green leads Houston in scoring with 19.6 points, while the Rockets' newest acquisition of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks leads the team in assists and steals, respectively. 

The Pelicans look to bounce back after their worst loss of the season to Minnesota on Wednesday night. New Orleans may again be without Zion Williamson, who is listed as questionable for the game for personal matters. Pels forward Herb Jones is also listed as questionable, as he continues to heal from a fibula injury suffered against the Nuggets this past week. 

New Orleans has won six of the last seven matchups versus the Rockets, so recent history is on the New Orleans side. With CJ McCollum still out recovering from a lung injury, and Zion Williamson questionable to play, Brandon Ingram will have to shoulder the bulk of the offensive load. Since joining the Pelicans in 2019, Ingram has averaged 27.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists against the Rockets.

Mar 19, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) controls the ball as Houston Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate (8) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Defensively, New Orleans needs to shut down the Rockets three-point attack. The magic number for the opponent's three-point percentage is 35%. The Pelicans are 4-1 in games where they hold opponents under 35%. Their record is 0-3 when they don't. New Orleans interior defense must stop Jabari Smith, Jr. in the paint.

The second-year forward averaged a double-double against the Pelicans last season. In the team's preseason matchup, Smith, Jr. scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds on 9/13 shooting. Winning the battle in the paint must be a top priority for the Pelicans to have success in this game.

After Friday night's matchup, New Orleans returns home on Sunday to face the Dallas Mavericks. That game kicks off a six-game homestand for the Pelicans, who look to get back on track this season.