Pelicans vs. Rockets Preview: Relishing In Playing Spoiler For Post-Season Implications

The Houston Rockets will continue to play spoilers Friday night against the Pelicans, who are hoping to keep their post-season hopes alive.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets (17-52) have 13 games left in the 2022-23 season. 

The general consensus believes the Rockets are putting the finishing touches on the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes. But ahead of Friday night's contest against the New Orleans Pelicans (33-36), the Rockets will be looking to extend their win streak to three inside the Toyota Center.

The Rockets have defeated the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers over the previous two games. And each win Houston recorded could lead to negative post-season implications for their opponents.

"They seem to have grasp on to that idea," coach Stephen Silas said. "For me, it is all about playing well. I just want them to play well. But for them as younger guys, sometimes, playing spoilers could be pretty cool."

The results of the Rockets' two-game mini-series against the Pelicans could impact which team will secure the final spot in the play-in tournament. 

New Orleans currently holds 12th place in the western conference. But a sweep or splitting two games against the Rockets could make moving ahead to the 10th seed a daunting challenge for the Pelicans.

"We did not have the year that we wanted when it comes to the record, but I feel like we are learning," Kevin Porter Jr. said. "Every game, each game, we are trying to win as much as we can. You can see we have fight in us. We definitely want to spoil some teams." 

Rockets vs. Pelicans Broadcast Information:

• Date: Friday, March 17
• Time: 7:00 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 

Kevin Porter Jr. looks to stay aggressive:

The Rockets are 2-1 over their last three games, and one reason for their late-season success is Kevin Porter Jr. He is averaging 18.7 points on 50.0 percent shooting from the field, 7.7 assists and 2.0 steals.

The best part of Porter's play has been his lack of turnovers as Houston's primary facilitator. Porter is averaging 1.7 turnovers since Houston's loss to the Chicago Bulls Saturday night. And over the last three games, the Rockets have averaged a season-best 15.0 turnovers. 

Ending a losing streak:

A win against the Pelicans would not only disrupt New Orleans' late-season playoff push. But a victory over the Pelicans would end the Rockets' five-game losing streak.

December 5, 2021, marked the last time Houston defeated its I-10 east rivals in a 118-108 victory. Eric Gordon and Christian Wood led the way for the Rockets by scoring 23 points separately. 

Containing Brandon Ingram:

The Pelicans will not have Zion Williamson due to a hamstring injury. But New Orleans will have Brandon Ingram on the floor. The one-time All-Star has put together several impressive performances against the Rockets, averaging 21.6 points in 18 career games.

Ingram has the capability to score 40 or more points on any given night, and he is hard to stop with his mid-range game.

While averaging 22.9 points this season, Ingram is ranked fourth in the NBA in mid-range field goals made, averaging 2.8 a game. He scored a season-best 40 points (18-29 FG, 1-5 3PT) against the Portland Trail Blazers during the Pelicans' victory on March 1.

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

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