Preview
3 min read

Clash at Toyota Center: Houston Rockets Host New Orleans Pelicans

As the Houston Rockets prepare to welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to the Toyota Center, fans are eager to see if their team can continue its recent trend of high-scoring performances. The Rockets have been on a roller coaster this season, but their last few games have shown some promising signs.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 23: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets on December 23, 2023 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 2023 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

In their most recent matchup against the Pelicans, the Rockets secured a narrow victory with 106 points over their opponent's 104. This win was characterized by a strong third-quarter performance where they scored 32 points and maintained a lead for over 21 minutes of playtime. Their efficiency game score stood at an impressive 83.9, and they managed to draw more fouls than the Pelicans, which gave them additional scoring opportunities from free throws.


Another notable performance came against the Dallas Mavericks where Houston dominated with a score of 122-96. The Rockets led for nearly the entire game and boasted an efficiency game score of 95.0, showcasing their ability to convert possessions into points effectively.


NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 23: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets shoots over Jeremiah Robinson-Earl #50 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the fourth quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on December 23, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

However, in an earlier encounter with Atlanta Hawks, despite scoring a remarkable 127 points and achieving perfect free throw accuracy (100 percent), it wasn't enough to overcome Atlanta's offensive onslaught that ended in a high-scoring affair with Houston falling short by seven points.


The upcoming game promises excitement as both teams will look to assert dominance early on. The Toyota Center has been favorable for Houston; it's where they've shown some of their best performances this season – including that significant win over Dallas – suggesting that home-court advantage could play into Houston’s hands once again.


NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 23:  Trey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring a three point basket during the second quarter of an NBA game against the Houston Rockets at Smoothie King Center on December 23, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Fans should expect another close contest as both teams have demonstrated they can put up big numbers offensively while also having moments where defensive lapses lead to high-scoring games from opponents.


The action unfolds at Toyota Center on February 1st at 7:00 PM local time (CT). Fans can catch all the action live on Space City Home Network channel number 674 or follow along through various broadcast networks available in different regions.

Rate the article

Related stories

Houston Rockets Blaze a Trail to Victory Against Portland
Preview

Houston Rockets Blaze a Trail to Victory Against Portland

3 min read
Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers: A Clash of Titans at Toyota Center
Preview

Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers: A Clash of Titans at Toyota Center

3 min read
Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers: Showdown at Toyota Center
Preview

Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers: Showdown at Toyota Center

3 min read