HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Houston Rockets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 119-110 on Sunday at Toyota Center behind consistent offense and key performances from their starters. A crowd of 18,055 saw the Rockets build a double-digit lead by halftime and maintain control despite several Pelicans rallies. Houston improved to 25-15, while New Orleans fell to 10-35. The Rockets shot efficiently and had six players score in double figures, led by Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith. Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy combined for 54 points for the Pelicans, but the team could not overcome Houston’s early advantage. The Rockets have now won two of their last three games.

HOUSTON (Interstat) — In a game defined by runs and resilience, the Houston Rockets weathered a persistent challenge from the New Orleans Pelicans to secure a 119-110 victory Sunday night at Toyota Center, solidifying their position as a force in the Western Conference. The Rockets, now 25-15, used a dominant first half to build a cushion they would repeatedly need, while the Pelicans, falling to 10-35, showcased the fight that has characterized several of their recent outings despite another loss in the standings. Houston established its intent early, leveraging its size and offensive versatility to race to a 32-point first quarter, led by the inside-outside combination of Alperen Sengun and a hot-shooting Jabari Smith Jr. The Pelicans, behind an efficient 30-point period of their own, kept pace initially, but the Rockets’ consistency proved overwhelming. A second consecutive 32-point quarter gave Houston a 64-54 halftime lead, a gap built not on a single explosive play but on a steady, methodical assault. The most critical phase of the game arrived in the third quarter, as New Orleans mounted its most serious threat. With Zion Williamson attacking the rim and Trey Murphy III finding his stroke from deep, the Pelicans clamped down defensively, holding the potent Rockets offense to just 23 points in the period. A 10-2 Pelicans run, capped by a Micah Peavy three-pointer, trimmed the Houston lead to 85-83 late in the quarter, sending a jolt through the sellout crowd of 18,055. Facing a collapse of their double-digit advantage, the Rockets responded with the poise of a playoff contender. The fourth quarter became a showcase for Houston’s veteran acquisition, Kevin Durant. With the outcome in the balance, Durant stabilized the Rockets, hitting a crucial 12-foot jumper with just over a minute remaining to push the lead to 116-110, effectively sealing the game. He finished as a central figure in the closing moments, both as a scorer and a facilitator. While Durant provided the late-game execution, the victory was forged by a complete team effort. Sengun, the Rockets’ centerpiece, was a force in the paint, scoring efficiently and facilitating from the high post. Smith’s shooting stretched the floor, and Amen Thompson’s athleticism and playmaking provided constant energy. The Rockets’ ability to generate easy baskets, particularly through Sengun’s post play and Thompson’s cuts, kept the Pelicans’ defense off-balance throughout the night. New Orleans, despite the loss, demonstrated the offensive firepower that has kept them competitive in a difficult season. Williamson powered his way to a team-high scoring effort, while Murphy’s perimeter shooting provided a necessary counterpoint. Rookie center Yves Missi brought energy off the bench with timely offensive rebounds and finishes. The Pelicans’ struggle, as it has been often, was an inability to string together consecutive defensive stops against a top-tier offense when it mattered most. The game carried the weight of recent history, as the Pelicans had defeated the Rockets 133-128 in their prior meeting on Dec. 18. Houston ensured there would be no repeat, using this game to reassert its defensive focus after a third-quarter lapse and execute down the stretch. Statistically, the game played out as a contrast in styles. Houston’s offensive execution, particularly in the paint and from the free-throw line in key moments, offset New Orleans’ own efficient scoring nights. The Rockets’ ability to maintain their offensive output across three of the four quarters, scoring 32 points in the first, second, and fourth, proved to be the ultimate difference-maker against a Pelicans squad that could not find a consistent defensive answer. With the win, Houston moves forward with momentum as they prepare for a quick turnaround against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. The Pelicans, meanwhile, continue to search for the formula to turn competitive performances into victories as they head home to host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. The national projection heavily favored the Rockets with a 93.4% probability to win, and though New Orleans beat the 12.5-point spread, Houston ultimately validated that confidence with a professional, hard-earned victory.

Pelicans, Rockets Meet in Houston on Sunday HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Houston Rockets (23-15) will look to get back on track at home against the struggling New Orleans Pelicans (10-33) on Sunday at Toyota Center. The matchup features a stark contrast in the standings. The Rockets, despite a 111-91 home loss to Oklahoma City on Thursday, remain firmly in the Western Conference playoff picture. The Pelicans, meanwhile, own the league’s worst record, though they are coming off a rare 116-113 victory over Brooklyn on Wednesday. New Orleans will lean on the hot hand of forward Trey Murphy, who is averaging 28.1 points over his last 10 games. He erupted for 34 points, nine rebounds and five assists in the win over the Nets, supported by Zion Williamson’s 25 points. Rookie center Yves Missi added a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Houston counters with center Alperen Sengun, who recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds in the loss to the Thunder. Forward Jabari Smith Jr. also had a double-double in that game with 17 points and 10 boards. The teams last met on Dec. 18, 2025, in New Orleans, with the Pelicans securing a 133-128 victory. The Rockets will aim to defend their home court this time, where they are 14-6 this season. New Orleans is just 3-19 on the road. For the Pelicans, the game opens a three-game road trip. Houston continues a five-game homestand before hitting the road for a back-to-back next week. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST Sunday.