The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a 133-113 loss to the Houston Rockets, extending their record to 5-23 and solidifying their position as the Western Conference's worst team. The Pelicans' defensive struggles, a hallmark of past seasons, were on full display as the Rockets shot an impressive 75% from the field in the first quarter. Coach Willie Green acknowledged the team's lack of physicality as a key factor in their poor start. The Pelicans continue to be hampered by injuries, with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram both sidelined indefinitely. This dismal start and the team's luxury tax status have fueled speculation about the future of star players Ingram and Williamson.
The New Orleans Pelicans fell to the Houston Rockets 133-113 on Thursday night. The loss drops New Orleans to 5-23 on the season, the worst record in the Western Conference. After finishing the season with the most road wins last year, the Pelicans have won just one game away from the Smoothie King Center this year.
Defense has always been the calling card for head coach Willie Green. New Orleans finished sixth in defense the past two seasons, but injuries and inconsistent play have the Pelicans reeling defensively this year. On Thursday, the Rockets shot 75% from the field in the first quarter, scoring 39 points and never looking back. Coach Green addressed the media about his team's slow start to this game.
"It started in the first quarter. They got out to an early lead. Alot of it had to do with our lack of physicality," Green told reporters. "We gave them too much, and it started in the first quarter."The Pelicans again played without Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, who are both out indefinitely with injuries. New Orleans has yet to provide an update on their injuries, so both players are assumed to be out for the foreseeable future.
Ingram is in the final year of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent next summer. After failing to agree on an extension with the team over the offseason, the Pelicans could look to get some future assets for the former all-star forward. Williamson signed an extension with the team in 2022, but the contract contained stipulations and clauses regarding his weight and game availability. Failure to meet those would result in non-guaranteed money on his deal. With his continued lack of availability on the court, a decision to keep the two-time all-star could be on the horizon.
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