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The Houston Rockets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 119–110 on January 18 at Toyota Center, staying below the Vegas total line of 232.5 in a defensive battle. J. Smith Jr. led Houston with 32 points while Alperen Sengun added 21, as the Rockets shot 50% from the field and made 13 three-pointers to control the game. New Orleans countered with balanced scoring from Trey Murphy III (21 points) and Zion Williamson (20 points), but the Pelicans' 27 assists couldn't overcome Houston's efficiency—the Rockets posted a 121.8 offensive rating against New Orleans' 112.7. Houston's defense was the deciding factor, holding the Pelicans to 110 points despite both teams shooting identically from the field at 50%. The Rockets' third quarter proved pivotal, outscoring New Orleans 23–26 while maintaining steady pressure throughout. Houston's 15 turnovers versus New Orleans' 13 were nearly equivalent, but the Rockets' nine steals and superior execution in the final frame sealed the win. The victory reinforces Houston's positioning in the Western Conference playoff race.