The combinations of key players in uniform for New Orleans has changed from game to game, but in three matchups vs. Houston over the past 12 months, one thing has remained the same: The Rockets have presented big-time problems for the Pelicans at the defensive end. In New Orleans’ first game after the DeMarcus Cousins trade last February, Houston racked up 129 points in the Smoothie King Center; in the only meeting so far of 2017-18, the Rockets registered 130 points in the Toyota Center vs. the Anthony Davis-less Pelicans. Even in NOLA’s March victory last season over its Southwest Division rival – which occurred without Cousins – Houston managed to tally 112 points, making its average 123.
Pelicans shootaround update presented by HUB International: Houston presents major defensive challenge for New Orleans
