Opinion
3 min read

Pelicans Set to Soar Against Rockets in Smoothie King Center Showdown

As the New Orleans Pelicans prepare to host the Houston Rockets at the Smoothie King Center, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The Pelicans have been on a roller coaster this season, but their recent performance against the Portland Trail Blazers on February 11th showcased their resilience and ability to close out games. With a 93-84 victory over the Trail Blazers, they demonstrated a solid defensive effort, holding their opponents to just 84 points and maintaining a lead for over 42 minutes of game time.


HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 31: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets  on January 31, 2024 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Pelicans' efficiency rating of 110 from that game is an indicator of their capability to execute on both ends of the floor. They also showed prowess in scoring from inside the paint with an impressive 62 percent shooting and racked up 20 second-chance points thanks to their tenacity on offensive rebounds.


However, it's not all smooth sailing for NOP. Their previous encounter with Los Angeles Lakers ended in a high-scoring affair where defense took a backseat as they lost with a scoreline of 122-139. Despite putting up an efficient offensive performance marked by shooting percentages above fifty percent from both two-point range and overall field goals, they were outmatched by LAL's staggering offensive output.


HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 31:  Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets on January 31, 2024 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)

NOP's inconsistency was further highlighted in another Los Angeles matchup against the Clippers just days before facing LAL. Although NOP emerged victorious with a score of 117-106, it was clear that maintaining leads and closing quarters strongly is something they need to work on; despite leading for nearly forty-seven minutes, there were moments when NOP allowed LAC back into contention.


Looking ahead at their upcoming clash against HOU, NOP has several factors working in its favor: home-court advantage at Smoothie King Center and momentum from recent victories should give them confidence going into this matchup. The key will be whether NOP can maintain defensive intensity throughout all four quarters while capitalizing on scoring opportunities inside.


HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 31: Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets dries around Larry Nance Jr. #22 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Toyota Center on January 31, 2024 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 Houston Rockets come into this game as underdogs but cannot be underestimated; any lapse in concentration could give HOU openings to exploit. It will be crucial for NOP’s defense to step up once again like they did against POR if they want secure another win for New Orleans fans.


Mark your calendars for February 22nd at 7:00 PM when these two teams face off in New Orleans. Fans can catch all the action live on BSNO or Space City Home Network depending upon your locale – don't miss what promises to be an enthralling encounter!

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