Pelicans Target Second Straight Win Over Rockets in Division Battle
The New Orleans Pelicans prepare for a crucial NBA Southwest Division contest against the Houston Rockets this Sunday. The game takes place at the Toyota Center in Houston. The Pelicans enter this matchup with clear intentions. They hope to defeat the Rockets twice in a row this season.
Rockets Find Shooting Rhythm After Slump
Houston recently broke out of a significant shooting slump. The team struggled terribly from beyond the three-point line, hitting only 24.6% of their attempts. However, their performance improved dramatically against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Rockets shot an impressive 42.9% from three-point range in that victory.
New Orleans faces different challenges. Their problems are not considered obnoxious in nature. When the Pelicans roster remains healthy, they play with impressive tempo. They create strong scoring opportunities on both offense and defense. This game marks the second meeting between these clubs during the current season.
Game Details and Broadcast Information
The Houston Rockets versus New Orleans Pelicans game tips off on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The action begins at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. The venue is the Toyota Center located in Houston, Texas.
Several networks will televise the entire match. Viewers can watch on SCHN, Gulf Coast Sports, and Pelicans+. For streaming options, Fubo and Prime Video will broadcast the game online. Fans have multiple ways to catch every moment of this Southwest Division showdown.
Expected Starting Lineups for Both Teams
Houston Rockets Projected Starters:
- Point Guard: Amen Thompson
- Shooting Guard: Kevin Durant
- Small Forward: Josh Okogie
- Power Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
New Orleans Pelicans Projected Starters:
- Point Guard: Jeremiah Fears
- Shooting Guard: Trey Murphy III
- Small Forward: Saddiq Bey
- Power Forward: Zion Williamson
- Center: Derik Queen
Latest Injury Reports for Sunday's Game
Houston Rockets Injury List:
- Tari Eason - Out (Ankle injury)
- Fred VanVleet - Out (Torn ACL)
New Orleans Pelicans Injury List:
- Herbert Jones - Out (Ankle injury)
- Jose Alvarado - Out (Oblique injury)
- Dejounte Murray - Out (Achilles injury)
Game Prediction and Recent Form Analysis
The Pelicans enter this contest as 4.5-point away underdogs. They suffered a 127-119 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Friday. The Over for that game was set at 241.5 points.
Meanwhile, the Rockets come in as 3.5-point home favorites. They secured a 110-105 victory over the rising Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. That result hit the Under, which was set at 222.5 points.
Statistical trends favor high scoring in this matchup. Eighteen out of thirty-nine Rockets games this season have exceeded the current point total of 229.5. The Pelicans have participated in thirty games where both teams scored more than 229.5 points. This represents 68.2% of their opportunities.
These two teams combine to average 232.1 points per game. This exceeds the game's total points line of 229.5 by 2.6 points. Both squads now stand ready for their second confrontation of the season.
Sportsbooks currently list the Houston Rockets as substantial favorites. They hold a 13-point advantage over the New Orleans Pelicans for Sunday's game.
