Opinion
3 min read

Clash at Smoothie King Center: Houston Rockets to Face New Orleans Pelicans

As the Houston Rockets prepare to take on the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, fans are eager to see if their team can turn around a challenging start to the season. The Rockets, with a record of 2 wins and 10 losses, are looking for redemption after their recent defeat against the Toronto Raptors with a score of 109-116 on November 10th.


PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 2: Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket during the game against the Phoenix Suns   on December 2, 2022 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

In that game, despite an impressive first quarter where they scored 37 points and led by as much as 12 points, inconsistency plagued them throughout. They managed only 17 points in the second quarter and ultimately couldn't hold onto their lead. The team showed resilience in scoring but struggled defensively, allowing the Raptors to maintain control for nearly half of the game's duration.


The Rockets' performance has been a rollercoaster this season. On November 8th against Orlando Magic, they put up an astonishing offensive display scoring 134 points with a remarkable shooting percentage from beyond the arc at 50 percent. Their biggest lead was an impressive 17 points and they led for over two-thirds of that game's duration.


However, consistency is key in basketball and it's something that HOU has been lacking. Their defensive efforts have left much to be desired as evidenced by their defensive rating which was above average during these games but not enough to secure victories consistently.


The upcoming match against NOP presents another opportunity for HOU to prove themselves. The Pelicans have shown vulnerabilities that HOU could exploit if they manage to bring both their offensive A-game and tighten up defensively. It will be crucial for them not just to start strong but also maintain that intensity throughout all four quarters.


NOP will certainly not make it easy; they've had moments of brilliance this season too and will look forward to defending home court advantage fiercely come game day.


Fans should mark their calendars for November 13th when these two teams face off at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans at what promises to be an exciting encounter starting at 7:30 PM CT (1:30 AM UTC). For those who can't make it there in person, you can catch all the action live on NBA TV channel number is nationally available or through local broadcasts SportsNet SW channel number is available locally or BSNO channel number is available locally depending on your location.

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