Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview: How to Watch, Lineups, Injury Report, More

For a chance to win the inaugural NBA Cup, the Rockets have put themselves in a position to get off to a great start.
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HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets (4-3) are clicking at an exciting time. They are riding a four-game winning streak entering Friday's contest against the New Orleans Pelicans (4-4). The game will mark the Rockets' second to last game of their seven-game homestand and the first of the NBA's In-Season Tournament for Group B. 

For a chance to win the inaugural NBA Cup, the Rockets have put themselves in a position to get off to a great start. After defeating LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night, the Rockets have held their previous four opponents to 99.8 points while possessing a defensive rating of 102.8 — second-best in the league.

After starting the season 4-1, the Pelicans are coming into Houston riding a three-game losing streak. Their most recent defeat came in a 122-101 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with a team-high 24 points on 11-of-25 shooting from the field.

Rockets guard Jalen Green shoots the ball as New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center.
Rockets guard Jalen Green shoots the ball as New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Rockets vs. Pelicans Broadcast Information

Rockets vs. Pelicans Injury Report

Houston Rockets

  • Amen Thompson (OUT - Ankle Sprain)
  • Alperen Şengün (QUESTIONABLE - Left Ankle Sprain)
  • Victor Oladipo (OUT - Left Patellar Tendon)

New Orleans Pelicans

  • Jose Alvarado (OUT - Right Ankle Sprain)
  • Herbert Jones (QUESTIONABLE - Right Fibula Contusion)
  • Naji Marshall (DOUBTFUL - Right Knee Contusion)
  • C.J. McCollum (OUT - Right Lung Small Pneumothorax)
  • Trey Murphy III (OUT - Left Knee; Partial Meniscectomy)
  • Zion Williamson (QUESTIONABLE - Personal Reasons) 

Rockets vs. Pelicans Projected Starting Lineups

New Orleans Pelicans

  • PG Jordan Hawkins
  • SG Dyson Daniels
  • SF Brandon Ingram
  • PF Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
  • C Jonas Valanciunas

Houston Rockets

  • PG Fred VanVleet
  • SG Jalen Green
  • SF Dillon Brooks
  • PF Jabari Smith Jr.
  • C Alperen Şengün

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