The Rockets are now 0-3 since Christian Wood’s latest ankle injury followong Tuesday’s 130-101 blowout loss (box score) to New Orleans on the second night of a road back-to-back. Prior to Wood’s reinjury to his right ankle, Houston had won seven of eight overall.
With Tuesday’s win, the Pelicans (11-12) won their fourth straight game and passed Houston (11-13) in the tightly packed Southwest Division.
Veteran guards John Wall (25 points, 6 assists) and Eric Gordon (23 points) returned on night two of a road back-to-back, but backcourt mate Victor Oladipo sat out for the same “maintenance” reasons that forced Wall and Gordon to miss Monday’s loss in Charlotte. Ultimately, the Rockets were badly short-handed in both games, given the simultaneous absences of Wood and at least one member of the guard trio.
Reserve guard Josh Hart led a balanced effort by the Pelicans, scoring 20 points (50% FG) and grabbing a remarkable 17 rebounds off the bench. Zion Williamson had 20 points and 7 rebounds, while Brandon Ingram scored a game-high 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting (69.2%). The Rockets allowed 60 points in the paint, their most of the 2020-21 season.
Pelicans were 24 of 33 in the paint, other than on their many second shots. Their 60 paint points were the most the Rockets have allowed this season. They are 0-3 since Christian Wood's injury.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) February 10, 2021
The Rockets return to action Thursday with another nationally televised game on TNT against the Miami Heat. Unlike the last two blowout losses, that game is in Houston, and all three veteran guards (Wall, Oladipo, Gordon) should be available. However, Wood will still be sidelined.
For now, enjoy select highlights and postgame reaction from the Rockets following Tuesday’s shellacking in New Orleans.
