Game Preview
The Rockets will play the New Orleans Pelicans tonight at 6 p.m. CT, marking their second consecutive matchup with the visiting team. Fresh off a 109-97 victory in their earlier meeting, they return to Houston to kick off a six-game homestand as the regular season nears its end. Facing a Pelicans team positioned near the lower end of the Western Conference standings, the Rockets have a real opportunity to spark a winning streak, something they have not experienced since late February.
Season Performance and Challenges
Houston has experienced a mixed set of results in recent contests, going 5-5 in its last 10 games and 10-12 after the 41-game mark—a record that places them 16th in the NBA. Both offense and defense have seen declines during the latter part of the season. The team now ranks 23rd in scoring at 111.4 points per game while their defense concedes 113.2, ranked at 12th. With Fred VanVleet as the only rotation player missing, the Rockets still maintain relative health as they enter the final 19 games of the season.
Home Court Significance
After once being among the strongest in the West at the start of February, the Rockets have dropped in the standings due to injuries and sluggish performances. With key rivals in Memphis, Los Angeles, and Denver in the mix, the upcoming home stretch might provide the boost needed. The Rockets hold one of the better home records this season at 20-10, with 11 of the remaining 19 games scheduled at the Toyota Center. This home-court advantage could be a crucial factor in securing momentum going forward.
Path to the Playoffs
The current standing of 38-25 leaves Houston only a few games ahead of the sixth seed. A home winning streak could be instrumental in moving the team up the rankings and avoiding a drop into the Play-In Tournament. With the season winding down, every game carries weight as they aim to secure home-court advantage for the playoffs. Tonight’s game against the Pelicans represents a key moment to set the tone and drive the Rockets toward a stronger finish.