The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Houston Rockets on Sunday, January 18, with both teams managing key injuries ahead of the Western Conference matchup at Toyota Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET in Houston.
New Orleans enters the game with a 10-34 record and sits 15th in the West, while Houston stands at 24-15 and fifth in the conference standings. The Pelicans are coming off a one-game losing streak, and the Rockets arrive after a home win.
The teams have met once this season, when New Orleans secured a 133-128 overtime victory on December 18, 2025. That result marked one of the Pelicans’ most productive offensive performances of the season.
New Orleans’ injury report remains extensive and continues to impact lineup stability. Dejounte Murray is out with a right Achilles rupture. Herbert Jones is also sidelined with a right ankle sprain. Jose Alvarado remains out with a left oblique strain. Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson are unavailable due to G League two-way assignments.
Despite the injuries, the Pelicans continue to rely on Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson as their offensive foundation. Murphy leads the team with 22.2 points per game, while Williamson averages 22.6 points on 58.7 percent shooting from the field.
Houston’s injury situation centers on the backcourt and forward rotation. Fred VanVleet remains out following right knee ACL repair. Tari Eason is listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain after missing recent action. Eason averages 12.0 points and 6.0 rebounds and provides defensive versatility off the bench. Isaiah Crawford and Tristen Newton are out due to G League assignments.
