Opinion
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Showdown at Toyota Center: New Orleans Pelicans to Face Houston Rockets

As the New Orleans Pelicans prepare to face off against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center, fans are eager to see if their team can bounce back from a recent string of challenging games. The Pelicans' performance has been a rollercoaster, with their latest outing against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 9 resulting in a 101-122 loss. Despite putting up a valiant effort, particularly in the fourth quarter where they scored 33 points, it wasn't enough to overcome the Timberwolves' dominant display.


HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 08: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dishes a pass around Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on November 08, 2023 in Houston, Texas. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

The statistics from that game paint a picture of what went wrong for NOP. Their field goal percentage was just under 39 percent and their three-point shooting was at approximately 29 percent – numbers that won't win many games in today's NBA. However, there were positives too; they shot an impressive 96 percent from the free-throw line and out-rebounded Minnesota with 49 boards.


Looking ahead to their matchup with HOU, there are areas where NOP can capitalize. In comparison to their previous game against Atlanta Hawks on November 4 where they led for over half of regulation time before succumbing to a narrow defeat (105-123), NOP showed they have resilience and scoring ability when leading by as much as ten points during that game.


HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 08: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to facing the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 08, 2023 in Houston, Texas. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

NOP's defense needs tightening up though; both recent losses saw them give up over 120 points. They'll need to be more aggressive defensively without fouling – something they managed well previously by committing zero team turnovers against Denver Nuggets on November 7 despite losing (116-134).


The upcoming contest offers an opportunity for redemption and showcases some key matchups – particularly how NOP will handle HOU's offensive threats. The Pelicans must focus on improving their defensive rating which stood at nearly 119 after facing Minnesota while also boosting their offensive efficiency beyond just under 93.


HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 08: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the net ahead of Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on November 08, 2023 in Houston, Texas. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

NOP fans should look forward to seeing if adjustments have been made since these past performances when tuning into BSNO channel or attending live this Friday night at Toyota Center in Houston. With tip-off scheduled for November 11th at around eight o'clock local time (Central Time Zone), this is one you won't want to miss!

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