A three-day break came at the worst time for the New Orleans Pelicans, who have won two straight games for the first time this season. They’re still just 5-22 o

Key absences on both sides shift strategies. Discover how injuries redefine tonight's Rockets-Pelicans contest.

Expert recap and game analysis of the New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets NBA game from December 18, 2025 on ESPN.

After a disheartening 128-125 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday, the Rockets are returning to action with a road matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. Their opponent has struggled, similar to last season, with a 5-22 record. The Pelicans are dead last in the West, on track to land another top draft pick in 2026.

Overtime stayed chaotic. New Orleans took its first lead since early in the first quarter on a long two, Herb Jones fouled out late, and the Pelicans closed the game at the line. Houston had chances. Reed Sheppard got two good looks from three, but couldn’t convert. The Pelicans finished it, 133-128.

The Rockets blew a 25-point lead in losing to New Orleans, with Kevin Durant bemoaning a lack of energy and urgency during a second-half collapse.

New Orleans hosts the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. The Pelicans should be favored around 2.5 points. The Pelicans just upset the Houston Rockets on Thursday as 9.5-point home underdogs for their third straight win. This team has battled numerous injuries, but they are a decent squad when near full strength.

The host New Orleans Pelicans and the Indiana Pacers meet on Saturday riding opposite trajectories over their last three games.