The New Orleans Pelicans, holding a 17-45 record, have faced a challenging 2024-2025 NBA season. Under head coach Willie Green, the team has struggled to find consistency, dealing with injuries and fluctuating performances. As they prepare to face the Houston Rockets on March 8, 2025, the Pelicans aim to leverage their recent improvements and player developments to secure an upset victory. Zion Williamson remains the cornerstone of the Pelicans’ offense, averaging 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game with an impressive 58.9% shooting from the field. Despite past injury concerns, Williamson has been a dominant force when healthy, showcasing his ability to drive to the basket and finish through contact. However, in a recent loss to the Houston Rockets, Williamson expressed frustration with the officiating, feeling that multiple fouls against him went uncalled. This incident underscores the physical play he endures and his desire for fair officiating. CJ McCollum, the veteran guard, has been a steady contributor, averaging 21.7 points per game. His experience and leadership are invaluable to the Pelicans’ young roster. McCollum’s ability to create his own shot and facilitate offense provides a necessary balance to Williamson’s inside presence. In a recent victory against the Utah Jazz, McCollum’s three consecutive three-pointers sparked a pivotal 15-0 run, demonstrating his capacity to shift game momentum. Trey Murphy III has emerged as a significant offensive threat, averaging 20 points per game. His shooting range stretches defenses, creating spacing for Williamson and McCollum to operate. Murphy’s development into a reliable scorer adds a critical dimension to the Pelicans’ offense, making them less predictable and more versatile. Defensively, the Pelicans have struggled, allowing an average of 119.3 points per game, ranking among the lowest in the league. This deficiency has been a focal point in practices, with Coach Green emphasizing the need for improved communication and effort on the defensive end. Rookie center Yves Missi has shown potential as a rim protector, but his inexperience often leads to positioning errors and foul trouble.

As he acclimates to the NBA’s pace and physicality, the Pelicans anticipate his defensive contributions will become more consistent. The Pelicans’ rebounding has been subpar, averaging 43.6 rebounds per game compared to the Rockets’ league-leading 48.1. This disparity often results in second-chance points for opponents, a critical factor in close games. Improving boxing out techniques and securing defensive rebounds are areas the coaching staff continues to address. In their previous matchups this season, the Pelicans have struggled against the Rockets, losing both encounters with scores of 128-111 and 133-113. These outcomes highlight the challenges New Orleans faces in containing Houston’s offense and executing their own game plan effectively. To compete effectively against the Rockets, the Pelicans must focus on several key areas. Defensively, limiting the impact of Houston’s dynamic guard, Jalen Green, is paramount. Green’s athleticism and scoring ability can quickly shift the game’s momentum. Deploying defensive schemes to force Green into contested shots and limit his penetration will be crucial. Offensively, the Pelicans need to capitalize on their perimeter shooting. With Murphy III’s emergence as a sharpshooter, running plays to free him up for open looks can stretch Houston’s defense. Additionally, utilizing Williamson in pick-and-roll situations can exploit mismatches and create high-percentage scoring opportunities. Special teams play, particularly free-throw shooting, has been an area of inconsistency for the Pelicans. In close games, converting free throws is often the difference between winning and losing. Emphasizing focus and routine at the line during practices aims to improve this aspect of their game. In conclusion, while the Pelicans have faced a challenging season, the matchup against the Rockets presents an opportunity to assess growth and resilience. Focusing on defensive improvements, rebounding, and efficient offense will be key to competing against a strong Houston team. As the season progresses, the Pelicans aim to build cohesion and set the foundation for future success.