The New Orleans Pelicans need to be prepared to “outwork and overpower” the Houston Rockets.
The New Orleans Pelicans (26-21) are set to face off against the Houston Rockets (22-24) at the Toyota Center on Wednesday night. New Orleans, currently enduring a three-game losing streak, risks extending it to their second-longest of the season if they fall to the Rockets. The Pelicans are eager for their first win against the Rockets this season, having lost the initial two encounters by a combined five points. Their struggles in clutch moments persist, as seen in their recent game against Boston, where turnovers have been a significant issue. When the game is within five points and less than five minutes remain, the Pelicans have the highest turnover percentage in the league at 20.5%.
Throughout this season, New Orleans has averaged 17 turnovers and only 102.5 points per game against Houston. Despite the Rockets’ average of 12 made three-pointers per game, they have outscored the Pelicans from beyond the arc in both prior matchups. The Pelicans aim to improve CJ McCollum’s three-point shooting rhythm, as he has only made 25% of his attempts in the last three games.
On the Rockets’ side, center Alperen Sengun has been a standout performer, averaging 30.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game against the Pelicans in their previous meetings. Sengun, in his third year, is a contender for his first all-star appearance this season.
New Orleans must rely on Jonas Valanciunas and Zion Williamson to assert dominance in the paint, though it won’t be easy against Houston’s robust defense, which allows the fourth-fewest opponent paint points in the league.
Coach Green has openly challenged the Pelicans, acknowledging the Rockets as a tougher team. Tonight’s game marks the first meeting since those remarks, providing New Orleans with an opportunity to refute his assessment. The Pelicans have not lost a season series to the Rockets since 2019-2020, but securing a win on Wednesday will be a tough task, given Houston’s formidable home record.
After the Houston game, the Pelicans have one more road matchup against the Spurs before returning home to face the Toronto Raptors on Monday night.
