The Houston Rockets (16-7) face the New Orleans Pelicans (5-22) on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET at Smoothie King Center. Houston enters on a one-game losing streak after a 128-125 overtime defeat to the Denver Nuggets, while New Orleans rides a two-game winning streak.
Houston will be without Fred VanVleet, sidelined for right knee ACL recovery, and Dorian Finney-Smith, who remains out following left ankle surgery. Tari Eason is listed as questionable with a right oblique strain.
Kevin Durant leads Houston with 24.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, while Alperen Sengun adds 23.5 points and 9.4 rebounds. Jabari Smith Jr. provides 15.4 points and 6.7 rebounds.
The Pelicans will be without Dejounte Murray due to a right Achilles rupture, while two-way players Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson are also unavailable.
Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III are expected to carry the bulk of scoring, averaging 21.7 and 21.1 points per game, respectively.
New Orleans’ recent victories over Chicago (114-104) and Portland (143-120) highlight the team’s offensive potential despite injuries. Jordan Poole contributes 17.7 points, offering playmaking support to Williamson and Murphy.
Thursday marks the first meeting of the season between these two teams.
