Houston Rockets, New Orleans Pelicans Stand Alone in In-Season Tournament West Group B

After another In-Season Tournament night, the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans are the lone two teams standing in West Group B.

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.

"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." 

Rockets guard Fred VanVleet shoots the ball during the third quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Pelicans are in prime 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.

The Rockets would automatically advance to the knockout round with a win against the Mavericks. Houston owns the tiebreaker against New Orleans following its 104-101 victory on Nov. 10.

"It means everything for our group right now," VanVleet said. "There are a lot of different ways for us to learn how to win. It reinforces all of the game habits. We are going to go through the same things as a group and already have. But it will only make us better."

Coach Ime Udoka added: "It's still early in the season. We are trying to get wins and build the right habits. But when it does it closer, and seeding is almost in place, you start to think about it more."

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