The NBA is entering another phase wherein the New Orleans Pelicans and the Houston Rockets will start the contest for a spot in the playoffs. Both sides are favorites, considering their records have fluctuated in the last couple of months. Also, the Western Conference is gearing up for the last matches, which could act as deciders.
The Rockets last won against the Pelicans on November 10, 2023, and December 23, 2023. On January 31, 2024, New Orleans made a comeback soon after that. The tally for that basketball game was 110-99 against Houston. Interestingly, that set the tone for the upcoming streak of seven out of eight winning games.
That cannot be said about the Rickets, for they have lost six of eight games. The most recent loss was on February 14, 2024, at Memphis by 121-113.
The Pelicans’ coach, Willie Green, stated that forthcoming competitions will consist of sprints. Willie maintains his optimism regarding his team’s performance, stating that players are prepared to progress forward and improve their position. Additionally, he discusses the increasing intensity observed in the Western Conference.
CJ McCollum, the New Orleans Guard, said that they are taking into account a total of 27 basketball games to take control of their destiny. This is likely a hint at their chances of qualifying for the title. Tari Eason may be unavailable for the game. VanVleet and Whitmore are likely to make an appearance.
The Pelicans are placed 6th on the Western Conference table with 33 wins and 22 losses. The Rockets are in the 12th position with 24 wins and 30 losses. Their NBA basketball competition will be hosted at the Smoothie King Center. Other games to look out for are between the Cavaliers and the Magic, the Raptors and the Nets, the 76ers and the Knicks, the Pacers and the Pistons, and the Mavericks and the Suns, garnering attention from NBA betting sites as fans anticipate the outcomes of these matchups.
The most talked-about basketball game remains the one between the West and the East as an NBA All-Star Game. The East ended up winning the game by 211-186, a tally that was landed without losing a grip in a single quarter. The West failed to surpass the target in all four quarters. The only moment they came close was in the last lap, when the difference was reduced to 1 for an individual quarter score of 51-50.
Tyrese, Damian, and Jaylen led the East in scoring, with 32, 39, and 36 points, respectively. Towns stood tall and alone, with 50 points to his name in the West. Shai sought to compensate for the deficit with 31 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists. However, the East made it apparent that their sole purpose at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was to win.
The Pelicans are riding a three-game winning streak, whereas the Rockets have managed just one victory in their previous three contests. An upcoming basketball contest between them in the NBA could see an upset.
