After the All-Star break, the Houston Rockets (24–30) will play the New Orleans Pelicans (33-22) on the road at Smoothie King Center on Thursday. The Rockets are hopeful that the week-long break would aid in their recovery from their humiliating 121-113 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on February 14 due to a lack of players.
Ime Udoka, the team’s coach, stated he will not alter his starting lineup and is confident the team can resume its play above.500 from the first 27 games. According to Udoka, injuries have been a major factor in Houston’s problems. In their last six games, they have suffered five losses.
But when the Rockets come back from the break, Fred VanVleet will be playing after missing five games with an adductor injury.
“It was that weird time of the year where everyone is itching for the break,” VanVleet stated. “Injuries and other factors kept us from playing at our best. There were moments of clarity here and there. However, we must shift our attention and see what we can produce in the last 28 games.”
One of the league’s hottest teams, the Pelicans are returning from the All-Star break. They have won eight of their previous nine games and are now on a three-game winning streak.
The Rockets are 2-1 against the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2023-24 season.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Rockets vs. Pelicans Broadcast Information
- Date: Thursday, Feb. 22
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- TV Channel: Space City Home Network
- Radio: 790 AM
- Live Stream: League Pass
Houston Rockets
- Tari Eason (OUT – Leg)
- Steven Adams (OUT – Knee)
New Orleans Pelicans
- Brandon Ingram (QUESTIONABLE – non-COVID Illness)
- Cody Zeller (QUESTIONABLE – Left Knee Contusion)
- Dyson Daniels (OUT – Left Knee Meniscectomy)
Rockets vs. Pelicans Projected Starting Lineups
New Orleans Pelicans
- PG C.J. McCollum
- SG Brandon Ingram
- SF Herbert Jones
- PF Zion Williamson
- C Jonas Valančiūnas
Houston Rockets
- PG Fred VanVleet
- SG Jalen Green
- SF Dillon Brooks
- PF Jabari Smith Jr.
- C Alperen Şengün
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