Houston Rockets' Ime Udoka Says In-Season Tournament Must Win is 'On Everybody's Minds'

While seeking their first road victory of the season, coach Ime Udoka says Tuesday's must-win against the Dallas Mavericks is "on everybody's minds."

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans are the last two teams standing in West Group B amid the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament. Both franchises won their respective tournament games Friday night.

The Rockets eliminated the Denver Nuggets in a 105-86 victory inside the Toyota Center. The Pelicans eliminated the Los Angeles Clippers with a 116-106 road win inside the Crypto.com Arena.

The Pelicans are in a position to advance to the knockout round. They are the No. 1 seed in West Group B with a 3-1 record. For the Rockets (2-1) to keep their In-Season Tournament hope alive, they must win Tuesday's meeting against the Dallas Mavericks, another West Group B counterpart eliminated from contention.

"Going into the In-Season Tournament, I talked about how games were just games," coach Ime Udoka said. "But as seedings start to take shape, and knowing how bad we want to win on the road, the guys are aware of that. But the tournament adds incentive, for sure. I know it’s on everybody’s minds."

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka motions to the court during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center / Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Udoka believes the game against the Mavericks is an opportunity for his younger players to grow and learn.

The Rockets would automatically advance to the knockout round with a win in Dallas. Houston owns the tiebreaker against New Orleans following its 104-101 victory on Nov. 10, which marked the Rockets' first In-Season Tournament game.

"I think this is a catch for all of the older teams," Fred VanVleet said. "All of these games matter to us. It is something to strive for. But for us right now, we need to lock in every game because every night matters." 

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