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Clash of the Birds: New Orleans Pelicans Set to Host Houston Rockets at Smoothie King Center

As the New Orleans Pelicans prepare to welcome the Houston Rockets to the Smoothie King Center, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an enthralling encounter. The Pelicans have been soaring high recently, with a commendable record that has seen them secure 31 wins against 22 losses so far this season. Their performance in recent games has been a testament to their resilience and ability to execute under pressure.


HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 31: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks to pass 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)

In their last outing against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Pelicans demonstrated defensive prowess by limiting their opponents to just 84 points, while scoring 93 themselves. This victory was underpinned by an impressive defensive rating of approximately 93 and an offensive rating over 106. The team's efficiency game score stood at a solid 80.7, showcasing their effectiveness on both ends of the court.


Despite suffering a defeat in their penultimate game against the Los Angeles Lakers with a scoreline of 122-139, there were still positives for New Orleans. They managed an offensive rating around 119 and shot efficiently from both inside and outside the arc with field goal percentages above fifty percent.


HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 31: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans controls the ball against the Houston Rockets during the second 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 trend continued in another Los Angeles matchup where they faced off against the Clippers; this time emerging victorious with a score of 117-106. Once again, they exhibited strong offensive capabilities with an offensive rating over 114 and maintained defensive solidity as evidenced by their defensive points per possession being approximately one.


These statistics indicate that while New Orleans is capable of high-scoring performances, it is their defense that often sets them apart from opponents – something they will look to capitalize on when facing Houston.


HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 31:  Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans 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 upcoming game is scheduled for February 23rd at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Fans can catch all the action live on BSNO (channel number:676-4) or follow along if they're supporting from afar via Space City Home Network (channel number:674). Tip-off is set for local central time zone hours which aligns with both teams' time zones ensuring no side has any undue advantage due to timing discrepancies.

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