New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets: A High-Flying Rivalry

When Do the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans Play Next?

Houston Rockets tickets and New Orleans Pelicans tickets can be found on their respective team pages, along with schedule information.

Are the Houston Rockets and the New Orleans Pelicans Rivals?

The Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans have only been playing each other since 2002, when the New Orleans franchise was founded. The Rockets-Pelicans rivalry hasn’t fully manifested yet, mostly because the teams haven’t ever faced off in the postseason.

Who are the Houston Rockets’ Biggest Rivals?

The Houston Rockets’ biggest rivals are the San Antonio Spurs. Postseason series tend to breathe life into rivalries and the Spurs and Rockets have met four times in the playoffs. The Rockets hold a 3-1 series lead all-time. These teams met in the 1995 Western Conference Finals, when upset-minded Houston knocked off top-seeded San Antonio to advance to the NBA Finals. San Antonio won the most recent playoff series between the franchises back in 2017. Some of the most well-known big men in league history have played in this rivalry, including Yao Ming, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dikembe Mutombo, David Robinson, and Tim Duncan. The Rockets also have rivalries with the Utah Jazz and Golden State Warriors.

Who are the New Orleans Pelicans’ Biggest Rivals?

Because of the brief time that the team has been in existence, the New Orleans Pelicans haven’t built up a true rival yet. The team, previously named the New Orleans Hornets when it debuted, has drafted stars like Chris Paul, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson. But it hasn’t made it past the conference semifinals yet in any season. With limited playoff experience, it has been hard to build up a rival.

Game Results Between the Rockets & Pelicans

Houston has won both matchups this season so far. It topped New Orleans in the NBA In-Season Tournament on November 10 and then won on the road on December 23. The final Rockets Pelicans games this season are on January 31 in Houston and February 22 in New Orleans.

Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Pelicans History

The Rockets Pelicans history has been rather even, despite having just over 20 years behind it. The teams were put in the same division in 2004 and have battled for Southwest Division positioning ever since. The all-time head-to-head record stands at 44 wins for Houston and 36 for New Orleans. While these teams have never met in the postseason, they have finished 1-2 in the Southwest Division once, in 2018. They also both have featured Chris Paul as their point guard for multiple seasons. Paul played six seasons in New Orleans while winning Rookie of the Year and making four All-Star teams. He played two seasons in Houston, leading them to two division titles in those seasons. The very first coach in New Orleans franchise history, Paul Silas, is the father of current Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas.

Where Do the New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets Play?

The New Orleans Pelicans play at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. It has been the home to basketball, hockey, and arena football teams since it opened in 1999.

The Houston Rockets play at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Toyota Center opened in 2003 and has been the host of many concerts, bull riding shows, the 2006 and 2013 NBA All-Star Games, and more.