Houston RocketsOpen full analysis
New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Houston Rockets 133–128 on December 18 at Smoothie King Center, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Trey Murphy III combining for 56 points to secure the narrow victory. New Orleans shot 50.5 percent from the field and made 11 three-pointers while forcing Houston into 18 turnovers, a critical differential that proved decisive in the fourth quarter when the Pelicans outscored the Rockets 36–20. Kevin Durant led Houston with 32 points and Alperen Şengün added 28, but the Rockets' 46.7 percent shooting and 10 three-pointers fell short despite their 58-rebound advantage. The game finished just below the Vegas total of 236.5, with New Orleans' defensive rating of 114.4 holding steady against Houston's 114.4 offensive rating. The Pelicans' 27 assists and 15 steals showcased their ball movement and perimeter pressure, while Houston's fourth-quarter collapse—outscored by 16 in that frame—underscored their late-game execution issues. This win keeps New Orleans competitive in the Western Conference standings.
