Rockets Face Pelicans in Rematch, Begin Longest Homestand
Part Two. Sixth Heaven. Home Savings.
Fresh off their first road win in over a month, the Rockets return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans for a rematch on Saturday night. This is the final matchup this season between these divisional foes, as Houston won the previous game, 109-97, on Thursday night. Tonight also marks the beginning of the longest home stretch of the entire season for the Rockets. Saturday’s night tilt against New Orleans is the first of six straight games at Toyota Center for Houston. And all six contests are very winnable matchups for the Rockets, with every opponent sporting a losing record on the season.
With a record of 38-25, Houston is still in fifth place in the crowded and competitive Western Conference. If the Rockets can take care of business over this homestand, they can potentially climb up all the way to the second seed. But if Houston plays down to their competition over this stretch, they could be in danger of slipping into the Play-In tournament. After tonight, the Rockets will face the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, and then finally the disappointing Philadelphia 76ers. Given these opponents, there’s no reason Houston shouldn’t go 5-1 at the worst over this stretch.
Expect more of the same from a New Orleans squad getting closer and closer to vacation tonight. Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and CJ McCollum will once again be the focal points of the defense for the Rockets in this game. But, as is the NBA, any player can bust out of nowhere to have a great game, and propel their team to an upset. So, Houston needs to remain focused as they return home.
The squad should squad to be energized as they commence a home stretch that could potentially define their season. Fred VanVleet will once again be sidelined tonight for the Rockets with his ankle injury. Luckily Houston’s upcoming schedule isn’t too challenging, but the Rockets will need their floor leader back for the playoffs, and hopefully sooner. Houston’s final five games in particular are brutally tough to end the campaign. For now, the Rockets will hope to build on what will be a long winning streak approaching the playoffs, as we enter the final month of the regular season.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
New Orleans Pelicans (17-46): White
Houston Rockets (38-25): Red
Tip-Off: 6:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass