Rockets vs. Pelicans Preview: How to Watch, Injury Reports, Lineups, More

The Houston Rockets will close their four-game regular-season series against the New Orleans Pelicans Thursday night inside the Smoothie King Center.

Author:
Coty M. Davis
Publish date:
Feb 22, 2024 9:00 AM EST

In this story:

Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets (24-30) will return from the All-Star break Thursday for a road match against the New Orleans Pelicans (33-22) inside the Smoothie King Center. The Rockets hope that the week-long break will help the team bounce back from an embarrassing 121-113 loss to the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 14.

Coach Ime Udoka said he will not change his starting lineup and believes they can return to their above .500 play from the first 27 games. Udoka said injuries have played a massive role in Houston's struggles. They have dropped five of their last six games.

However, amid their return from the break, the Rockets will take the court with Fred VanVleet back from his five-game absence due to an adductor injury.

"It was that weird time of the year where everyone is itching for the break," VanVleet said. "We did not play our best due to injuries and other things. We had some bright spots here and there. But we have to re-focus and see what we can come up with during our last 28 games."

The Pelicans are coming out of the All-Star break as one of the hottest teams in the league. They are riding a three-game winning streak and have also won eight out of their last nine games.