Pelicans Open Five-Game Homestand Against Rockets

New Orleans, LA - The New Orleans Pelicans (17-12) will host the Houston Rockets (14-12) in Saturday's game after the visitors defeated the Dallas Mavericks Friday night, 122-96. The Rockets have struggled tremendously on the road this season, coming in with a record of 2-10 away from the Toyota Center.

The Pelicans have won five straight games against the Rockets at home. New Orleans heads into the matchup unsure of the status of star forward Zion Williamson who will be a game-time decision for Willie Green. This morning, he's listed on the injury report as questionable, with a non-COVID-related illness that prevented him from playing in Thursday night's win versus the Cleveland Cavaliers.

UPDATE: Zion Williamson's Game Status For Rockets-Pelicans, 12/23

Should the illness prevent Williamson from suiting suit up tonight, Jonas Valanciunas will shoulder the responsibility to score in the paint against the Rockets. Houston is near the top of the NBA in a few defensive categories, including opponent points in the paint, where they only surrender 45 points a game to the opposition.

Valanciunas has been solid this season, playing in all 29 games and averaging 14.8 points and 9.8 rebounds. His consistency stabilizes a Pels team that's gone through a litany of injuries to start the year. Jonas is the only starter not to miss a game this season.

His counterpart on the Rockets, Alperen Sengun, leads Houston in scoring (19.8) and rebounding (9.2). Houston is a middle-of-the-pack offensive team, but they win games because of their defense and low-mistake basketball. Houston ranks seventh in the NBA in turnovers.

Perimeter defensive-minded players Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason will try to make things difficult for the Pelicans on the outside. Brandon Ingram has been finding his groove lately, averaging nearly 26 points a game on 56% shooting in his three contests. Trey Murphy III made his first start of the season in Zion's absence and will get the nod if Williamson can't play on Saturday.

Murphy III scored a season-high 28 points, including six made three-pointers in the Pels victory on Thursday. His outside shooting is vital for this offense, with Matt Ryan sidelined with an elbow injury and sharpshooting rookie Jordan Hawkins not getting much playing time lately.

The Rockets' versatility with switching defenses allows them not to get much penetration inside. They are the Top 3 in the NBA in fewest shots at the rim. When the Pelicans have opportunities for open shots on Saturday, they must knock them down.

The Pelicans should take advantage of a Rockets team playing on the second night of a back-to-back and look to run at every opportunity. Houston is No. 27 in offensive pace, so they are a team that likes to slow things down. New Orleans has a chance to run early and get the crowd involved to discourage any confidence the young Rockets have about winning the game.