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Showdown at Toyota Center: New Orleans Pelicans vs 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 recent setbacks. The Pelicans have shown a mix of promise and concern in their last few games, with a record that stands evenly split with four wins and four losses.


HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 08: Tari Eason #17 of the Houston Rockets drives against Colin Castleton #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second 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)

In their most recent outing against the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite a strong final quarter where they scored 33 points, the Pelicans fell short with 101 points to Minnesota's 122. Their defensive struggles were apparent as they allowed a high opponent possession score of over 102 and an efficiency game score that lagged behind at approximately 63. Offensively, while they boasted an impressive free throw percentage of nearly 96 percent, their field goal percentage was less than ideal at approximately 39 percent.


The matchup prior saw them putting up a more robust fight offensively against Denver Nuggets scoring 116 points but still conceding defeat with Denver notching up an imposing total of 134 points. The defensive rating for this game was concerning at nearly 129 which indicates that tightening up defense could be key in upcoming games.


HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 08: Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakersnshoots over Jabari Smith Jr. #10 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)

Looking further back to their home game versus Atlanta Hawks, there were positive takeaways despite another loss (105-123). The team showed efficiency on offense with fast break points totaling around 17 and an offensive rating over the league average. However, defensively they struggled again allowing Atlanta Hawks to lead for over twenty minutes of playtime.


As we approach this next challenge in Houston, it's clear that while New Orleans has demonstrated potential offensively – particularly inside paint where they've been able to maintain above-average percentages – defense remains an area requiring attention if they're hoping for success on the road.


HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 8:   Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 8, 2023 at the Toyota Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)

Fans can catch all the action from this exciting NBA matchup scheduled for November 11th at Toyota Center in Houston. The game will tip-off at local time (1:00 AM UTC) and will be broadcasted on Space City Home Network channel number 674 for home viewers and BSNO channel number 676-4 for those cheering from New Orleans.

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