Game Preview
The Houston Rockets roll into New Orleans on a modest three-game winning streak, looking to extend their strong play against a struggling Pelicans squad. At 20-9, the Rockets have been one of the Western Conference's surprise teams, riding a balanced attack to a 69% win rate so far this season.
Houston's offense has been humming, averaging nearly 114 points while shooting a shade over 44% from the field. They've been particularly potent from distance, hovering around 32% from three-point range. The Rockets spread the wealth too, dishing out just under 23 assists per contest. While their defense has been merely solid, allowing 106.3 points per game, their offensive firepower has fueled their success.
That firepower has been on full display lately, with Houston winning 7 of their last 10 games behind a scorching 45.4% shooting clip. They've been even better over their last 5, going 4-1 while averaging 113.8 points and a blistering 48.1% shooting. The Rockets have been pushing the pace, grabbing 48.2 boards and dishing 24.2 assists during this hot stretch.
In stark contrast, the Pelicans limp in on a 7-game skid, their season quickly unraveling with a dismal 5-25 record. The struggles have been comprehensive - New Orleans ranks near the bottom of the league in scoring (105.7 ppg), field goal percentage (43.8%), and defensive efficiency (117.2 points allowed).
Digging into the recent numbers reveals just how bleak things have become. Over their last 10 games, the Pelicans are a woeful 1-9, getting outscored by 11 points per game and shooting under 33% from deep. The last 5 games have been even worse - an 0-5 stretch where they've allowed a staggering 119.8 points while turning the ball over 15.8 times per contest.
Unless the Pelicans can somehow find their form quickly, the surging Rockets look poised to hand them their 8th straight loss. Houston has been clicking on all cylinders lately, while New Orleans is reeling with no signs of righting the ship. Expect the Rockets' balanced scoring attack and stingy defense to overwhelm the struggling Pelicans on their home floor.