The Houston Rockets are at home on Sunday night as they host the New Orleans Pelicans in a Western Conference matchup.
Houston enters Sunday’s game with a 24-15 record after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on Friday night.
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Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7)© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
(© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images)
In Friday’s victory over the Timberwolves, Kevin Durant led the way for the Rockets as he recorded 39 points, four rebounds and seven assists while Alperen Sengun added 25 points, 14 rebounds and three assists of his own.
Now Houston will try to grab another victory at home on Sunday as they face off against a struggling Pelicans team.
On the other side, New Orleans enters Sunday’s contest with a 10-34 record after losing on the road to the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.
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New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1).Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
(Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)
Zion Williamson led the way for the Pelicans in Friday’s loss as he ended the game with 27 points, six rebounds and seven assists while Trey Murphy III recorded 22 points, four rebounds and five assists.
While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Sunday night’s matchup, both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries.
Pelicans Injury Report, Will Herb Jones Play?
For the Pelicans, they have three players listed on their injury report, including forward Herb Jones.
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New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (2)Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
(Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)
New Orleans has ruled out Jones due to a right ankle sprain as he will miss his seventh consecutive contest.
With Jones still sidelined, Saddiq Bey and Micah Peavy will likely continue to have increased roles.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) celebrates a dunk next to New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15)© Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
(© Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images)
The Pelicans have also ruled out Jose Alvarado and Dejounte Murray as they both remain sidelined while recovering from injuries.
Rockets Injury Report, Will Tari Eason Play?
On the other side, the Rockets have only two players listed on their injury report, including forward Tari Eason.
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Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
(© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
Houston has listed Eason as questionable due to a sprained ankle and he is in danger of missing his fifth consecutive contest.
If Eason is sidelined once again, Josh Okogie and Dorian Finney-Smith could both be in line for larger roles.
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5)© Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
(© Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images)
The Rockets have ruled out Fred VanVleet as he remains sidelined while recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in the offseason.
Fans can catch Sunday night’s matchup between the Pelicans and Rockets from Houston at 7:00 p.m. EST.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.