The New Orleans Pelicans misplaced to the Houston Rockets 133-113 on Thursday night time. The loss drops New Orleans to 5-23 on the season, the worst document within the Western Convention. After ending the season with probably the most highway wins final 12 months, the Pelicans have received only one recreation away from the Smoothie King Middle this 12 months.
Protection has all the time been head coach Willie Inexperienced’s calling card. New Orleans has completed sixth in protection the previous two seasons, however accidents and inconsistent play have shaken the Pelicans defensively this 12 months. On Thursday, the Rockets shot 75 % from the sphere within the first quarter, scoring 39 factors and by no means wanting again. Coach Inexperienced addressed the media concerning his staff’s sluggish begin to the sport.
“It began within the first quarter. They took an early lead. A variety of that was resulting from our lack of physicality,” Inexperienced advised reporters. “We gave them an excessive amount of, and it began within the first quarter.”
LIVE: Willie Inexperienced@CésarsSports https://t.co/onlClkeQYJ
– New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 20, 2024
The Pelicans as soon as once more performed with out Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, each out indefinitely with accidents. New Orleans has but to supply an damage replace, so each gamers are anticipated to be out for the foreseeable future. Rumors have already swirled concerning the staff’s future with the dismal begin to the season and the staff on the posh tax.
Ingram is within the ultimate 12 months of his contract and can be an unrestricted free agent subsequent summer time. After failing to return to phrases on an extension with the staff through the offseason, the Pelicans might look to safe future property for the previous All-Star ahead.
Williamson signed an extension with the staff in 2022, however the contract contained stipulations and clauses concerning his weight and availability for play. Failure to satisfy these phrases would lead to non-guaranteed cash on his deal. Together with his continued lack of availability on the sphere, a choice to retain the two-time star participant might be on the horizon.
The Pelicans return house Saturday night time in opposition to the New York Knicks.
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