Opinion
3 min read

Clash at Toyota Center: New Orleans Pelicans Take on 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 maintain their recent momentum. The Pelicans have shown a mix of resilience and vulnerability in their past games, which could be pivotal in determining the outcome of this matchup.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 9: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans sets the play as he bring the ball up the court on December 9, 2022 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 2022 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)

On December 24th, despite a valiant effort, the Pelicans fell just short against the Rockets with a final score of 104-106. It was a game marked by intense competition, with 12 ties and nine lead changes. The Pelicans' bench outscored that of the Rockets by nine points and they dominated points in paint with an impressive 58 compared to Rockets' 46. However, turnovers were a sore spot for NOP as they gave up possession 16 times.


In contrast, on December 22nd against the Cavaliers, NOP showcased what they are capable of when firing on all cylinders. They secured an emphatic victory with a scoreline of 123-104. Their offensive efficiency was through the roof with an offensive rating that dwarfed their defensive rating – indicating that when they control possession and minimize turnovers (only nine in this game), they can dominate any opponent.


The most recent game for NOP on December 20th against Memphis Grizzlies ended narrowly in defeat at 113-115. Despite leading for almost three-quarters of regulation time and having an impressive run where they outscored Memphis by as much as twenty-four points during one stretch, it wasn't enough to secure victory.


Looking ahead to February's contest at Toyota Center, NOP must leverage its strengths while addressing weaknesses exposed in these past games. The key will be maintaining high efficiency from both field goals and free throws while controlling turnovers better than before.


NOP's ability to capitalize on fast breaks will also be crucial; it has been inconsistent across previous matches but has shown potential as a significant contributor to their scoring capability when executed well.


The scheduled game is set for February 1st at Toyota Center in Houston – tip-off is slated for 7:00 PM CST (8:00 PM EST). Fans can catch all action live on Space City Home Network channel number six hundred seventy-four or BSNO channel number six hundred seventy-six dash four for those following from away territory.

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