James Harden

Houston visits New Orleans after Harden's 44-point outing

Published Dec. 29, 2019 3:13 a.m. ET

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Houston Rockets (22-10, third in the Western Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (10-23, 14th in the Western Conference)

New Orleans; Sunday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Houston takes on the New Orleans Pelicans after James Harden scored 44 points in the Rockets' 108-98 win against the Nets.

The Pelicans are 8-14 against Western Conference opponents. New Orleans is third in the Western Conference shooting 36.7 percent from downtown led by JJ Redick shooting 45.7 percent from 3-point range.

The Rockets are 4-2 against opponents in the Southwest Division. Houston is 9-4 in games decided by at least 10 points.

The teams square off for the third time this season. The Rockets won 122-116 in the last meeting on Nov. 11. Harden led Houston with 39 points, and Redick led New Orleans with 24 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Brandon Ingram is shooting 48.8 percent and averaging 25.2 points. Jaxson Hayes is shooting 65.9 percent and averaging 7.1 points over the last 10 games for New Orleans.

Harden is averaging 38.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 7.5 assists for the Rockets. Ben McLemore has averaged 2.6 made 3-pointers and scored 9.9 points over the last 10 games for Houston.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pelicans: 4-6, averaging 108.7 points, 49.1 rebounds, 24.8 assists, 6.6 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 43.8 percent from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.3 points on 44.0 percent shooting.

Rockets: 7-3, averaging 116.6 points, 45.5 rebounds, 20.1 assists, 7.5 steals and 5.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.9 percent from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.8 points on 46.4 percent shooting.

INJURIES: Pelicans: Zion Williamson: out (right knee), Darius Miller: out (achilles).

Rockets: Thabo Sefolosha: day to day (illness), Gerald Green: out (left foot), Eric Gordon: out (knee), Nene: out (abductor), Clint Capela: out (heel).

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James Harden

Houston Rockets

National Basketball Association