Houston Rockets' In-Season Tournament Elimination Keeps New Orleans Pelicans Alive
The Quarterfinals of the NBA's In-Season Tournament will begin on Dec. 4, but the Houston Rockets will not be a part of the occasion. A loss to the Dallas Mavericks eliminated the Rockets from contention Tuesday night, which allowed the New Orleans Pelicans to move forward as the winners of West Group B.
Had the Rockets defeated the Mavericks, a quick trip to California for a match against the Sacramento Kings would have been scheduled. Instead, the Pelicans will have the honor of competing for the NBA's inaugural cup inside the Golden 1 Center.
The Pelicans won the Rockets' respective group with a 3-1 record to advance to the quarterfinals. Their lone defeat came against the Rockets on Nov. 10. The Rockets and Nuggets finished 2-2, while the Los Angeles Clippers placed last with a 1-3 record.
"It's awesome," Pelicans' C.J. McCollum said. "The guys have done a great job of holding it down and executing. It's a good experience to compete in this environment for a chance to go to Vegas."
Pelicans forward Zion Williamson scores a basket during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
As a result of their elimination, the NBA has assigned two additional games to the Rockets' schedule. They will play the Oklahoma City Thunder at home on Dec. 6. Houston will then travel to Denver for their fourth and final game against the Nuggets on Dec. 8. The Rockets currently lead their regular-season meeting against the Nuggets with a 2-1 record.
A home meeting against the Thunder will mark Houston's first contest of the season and the initial meeting against Rookie of the Year candidate Chet Holmgren. The former Gonzaga prospect is averaging 17.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He has helped the Thunder put together a 12-6 record.
