Pelicans vs. Rockets Preview: Houston Looks To Extend Winning Streak To Four

After a game-winning basket made by Jabari Smith Jr., the Houston Rockets will attempt to extend their winning streak to four games Sunday night against the Pelicans.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets (18-52) will play the second of their two-game mini-series against the New Orleans Pelicans inside the Toyota Center Sunday night. The Rockets will be looking to extend their winning streak to three following a 114-112 victory over the Pelicans Friday night.  

The Rockets revealed they have relished in the idea of playing spoilers against playoff-caliber teams. But Houston's improved play down the stretch is due to the post-All-Star break meeting the team held in hopes of changing the trajectory of their losing season.

The meeting played a role in the Rockets battling back from a 16-point deficit against the Pelicans in Game 1, which ended with Jabari Smith Jr. connecting on his first game-winning 3-point field goal.

"It says a lot about our resilience, our execution, and the guys we have in that locker room," coach Stephen Silas said. "A lot of guys played well on both ends of the floor. Everyone had a part in the win. We are moving in the right direction, and there have been improvements."

Rockets vs. Pelicans Broadcast Information:

• Date: Sunday, March 19
• Time: 6:00 p.m.
• TV Channel: AT&T SportsNet
• Radio: 790 AM
• Live Stream: League Pass

Houston Rockets Injury Report:

• N/A

New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report:

• Jose Alvarado (right tibial stress reaction) OUT
• E.J. Liddell (right ACL recovery) OUT
• Zion Williamson (right hamstring strain) OUT

Can the Rockets withstand the Pelicans' physicality for all four quarters:

When the Pelicans held their largest lead of the game Friday night, it came when New Orleans picked up its physicality against the Rockets. The Pelicans' physical play took Houston out of rhythm, which led to the Rockets trailing by 16 points midway through the third quarter.

The Pelicans are desperate to keep their post-season hopes alive and will likely try to sustain their physicality for all four quarters.

Trying again to contain Brandon Ingram:

Jonas Valanciunas gave the Rockets the most problems during their first meeting, but Brandon Ingram once proved again why he is a tough match-up for Houston.

Ingram quietly scored 31 points, which marked the fourth time he registered 30 or more points against Houston. His career high against the Rockets is a 40-point performance he recorded in December 2021.

How will Jalen Green adjust to the Pelicans' defense?

Jalen Green appeared to be on the verge of adding another 30-point night at the start of Game 1. He scored eight points in the first quarter. Green scored 11 points in the third, which gave him 21 points entering the fourth period.

The Pelicans began to pressure Green in the fourth quarter. New Orleans' defensive focus on Houston's leading scorer allowed other players like K.J. Martin and Alperen Sengun to ignite the Rockets' comeback victory.

Green scored four points in the fourth quarter en route to a 25-point night. But the adjustments he will make to the Pelicans' defense will determine whether or not Green will have a scoring explosion to close Houston's four-game series against the Pelicans. 

---

You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

Want the latest in news and insider information on the Houston Rockets? Click here

Follow Inside the Rockets on Facebook here

Follow Inside the Rockets on Twitter @InsideRocketsFN

Want even more Houston Rockets news? Check out the SI.com team page here