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NBA · Final

Rockets Edge Pelicans in Thrilling Finish

Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets3-0
130
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans2-1
128

Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · Legacy Arena at BJCC

Houston Rockets 130, New Orleans Pelicans 128, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans?

Houston Rockets beat New Orleans Pelicans 130-128 at Legacy Arena at BJCC on October 14, 2025.

In a closely contested game, the Houston Rockets narrowly defeated the New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 130-128. This matchup took place at the Legacy Arena at BJCC, showcasing the intense rivalry between the two teams. The victory allowed the Rockets to extend their series lead over the Pelicans to 4-0 this season, further emphasizing their dominance in recent encounters.

Entering the game, the Pelicans held a home record of 2-1, while the Rockets boasted an impressive away record of 3-0. However, the Pelicans have struggled significantly in their last ten games, recording a disappointing 2-8 record and currently on a seven-game losing streak. They averaged 104.7 points scored while allowing 117.6 points per game during this stretch. In contrast, the Rockets, despite a recent three-game losing streak, had a better overall record of 6-4 in their last ten games, averaging 119.9 points scored and 114.9 points allowed.

The Pelicans' performance at home has been particularly troubling, as they have only managed to win two of their last ten games played at the venue, with a home record of 2-4. Their away performance has been even worse, with a record of 0-4. The Rockets, meanwhile, have been more successful on the road, with a balanced away record of 3-3.

In terms of previous meetings, the Pelicans have struggled against the Rockets this season, losing all four matchups. Their most recent encounter on March 9, 2025, ended in a 117-146 defeat for the Pelicans. The last four games between these teams have seen the Pelicans unable to secure a victory, with scores of 97-109, 111-128, and 113-133 in earlier matchups this season.

Injury concerns were also a factor leading into this game. The Pelicans had Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens listed as day-to-day, with Peavy resting and McGowens dealing with a toe issue. The Rockets faced similar concerns, with Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams all listed as day-to-day due to ankle and knee issues.

Betting lines reflected the competitive nature of the game, with the home team Pelicans having a home win probability of just 2.9%, indicating that the market viewed the Rockets as the stronger side heading into this matchup.

As the game unfolded, it was clear that both teams were determined to secure a win. The fourth quarter was particularly thrilling, with multiple lead changes and clutch plays. Jordan Hawkins made a driving layup to bring the score to 123-121 in favor of the Rockets, followed by Josh Okogie’s driving layup that extended the lead to 125-121. Jeremiah Fears then hit a crucial two-point shot, pushing the score to 125-123. Free throws from JD Davison and McGowens kept the game tight, but it was Fears’ 26-foot three-point jumper that tied the game at 126-126.

In the final moments, McGowens made two free throws to give the Pelicans a brief lead at 128-126. However, Aaron Holiday responded with a driving floating jump shot to tie the game once again at 128-128, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Ultimately, the Rockets managed to secure the win with a final score of 130-128, capping off a hard-fought battle.

Fans watching the game were treated to a display of skill and determination from both teams, highlighting the fierce competition in the NBA. The Rockets' ability to close out the game under pressure and the Pelicans' fight to stay in contention made for an exciting matchup.

Injury report

  • Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
  • Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
  • Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
  • Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
  • Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets

Leaders

  • PointsJeremiah Fears20New Orleans Pelicans
  • AssistsJeremiah Fears4New Orleans Pelicans
  • ReboundsYves Missi10New Orleans Pelicans
  • PointsJabari Smith Jr.26Houston Rockets
  • AssistsAlperen Sengun7Houston Rockets
  • ReboundsAlperen Sengun12Houston Rockets

Recent form

New Orleans Pelicans

Last 10: 2-8Streak L7104.7 scored · 117.6 allowed per game2-4 at home

  • L100-115vs Oklahoma City ThunderApr 13
  • L104-153vs Miami HeatApr 12
  • L111-136at Milwaukee BucksApr 11
  • L114-119at Brooklyn NetsApr 8
  • L107-111vs Milwaukee BucksApr 7
  • L108-124at Los Angeles LakersApr 5
  • L98-114at LA ClippersApr 3
  • W98-94vs Charlotte HornetsMar 30
  • L95-111vs Golden State WarriorsMar 29
  • W112-99vs Philadelphia 76ersMar 25

Houston Rockets

Last 10: 6-4Streak L3119.9 scored · 114.9 allowed per game3-3 away

  • L111-126vs Denver NuggetsApr 13
  • L109-140at Los Angeles LakersApr 12
  • L117-134at LA ClippersApr 10
  • W106-96at Golden State WarriorsApr 7
  • W125-111vs Oklahoma City ThunderApr 5
  • W143-105vs Utah JazzApr 3
  • L98-104at Los Angeles LakersApr 1
  • W148-109at Phoenix SunsMar 31
  • W121-110at Utah JazzMar 28
  • W121-114vs Atlanta HawksMar 26

Standings

TeamGames behindLostStreakWin %Won
San Antonio-20L1.75662
Houston1030W1.63452
New Orleans3656L2.31726
Dallas3656W1.31726
Memphis3757L8.30525

Box score

StatHouston RocketsNew Orleans Pelicans
Field goals46-9747-101
Field goal %4747
Three-pointers11-369-38
Three-point %3124
Free throws27-3025-27
Free throw %9093
Rebounds5046
Offensive rebounds1614
Defensive rebounds3432
Assists2621
Steals911
Blocks74
Turnovers1716
Team turnovers00
Technical fouls02
Technical fouls, total02
Flagrant fouls10
Points off turnovers2429
Fast-break points1717
Points in the paint5474
Fouls2522
Largest lead172

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter102-85Tari Eason makes finger roll layup
  2. 3rd Quarter102-87Zion Williamson makes driving layup
  3. 3rd Quarter102-88Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 1
  4. 4th Quarter104-88Clint Capela makes two point shot
  5. 4th Quarter102-90Saddiq Bey makes layup
  6. 4th Quarter105-90Aaron Holiday makes 27-foot three point jumper (JD Davison assists)
  7. 4th Quarter105-91Jose Alvarado makes free throw 1 of 2
  8. 4th Quarter105-92Jose Alvarado makes free throw 2 of 2
  9. 4th Quarter105-95Jordan Hawkins makes 28-foot three point jumper (Hunter Dickinson assists)
  10. 4th Quarter108-95Reed Sheppard makes 23-foot three point jumper (Aaron Holiday assists)
  11. 4th Quarter108-97Micah Peavy makes two point shot
  12. 4th Quarter110-97Josh Okogie makes layup (Aaron Holiday assists)
  13. 4th Quarter110-99Micah Peavy makes 1-foot alley oop dunk shot (Saddiq Bey assists)
  14. 4th Quarter110-101Hunter Dickinson makes tip shot
  15. 4th Quarter110-102Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
  16. 4th Quarter110-103Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2
  17. 4th Quarter112-103Aaron Holiday makes 16-foot step back jumpshot
  18. 4th Quarter114-103Josh Okogie makes 1-foot dunk (JD Davison assists)
  19. 4th Quarter114-105Bryce McGowens makes dunk (Jeremiah Fears assists)
  20. 4th Quarter116-105JD Davison makes 2-foot two point shot
  21. 4th Quarter118-105Clint Capela makes 1-foot dunk (Aaron Holiday assists)
  22. 4th Quarter118-107Jeremiah Fears makes layup (Jose Alvarado assists)
  23. 4th Quarter118-108Jeremiah Fears makes free throw 1 of 1
  24. 4th Quarter118-109Jordan Hawkins makes free throw 1 of 3
  25. 4th Quarter118-110Jordan Hawkins makes free throw 2 of 3
  26. 4th Quarter118-111Jordan Hawkins makes free throw 3 of 3
  27. 4th Quarter118-113Jeremiah Fears makes 5-foot two point shot
  28. 4th Quarter118-114Jeremiah Fears makes free throw 1 of 1
  29. 4th Quarter120-114Clint Capela makes 1-foot dunk (Josh Okogie assists)
  30. 4th Quarter120-117Jeremiah Fears makes 29-foot three point step back jumpshot
  31. 4th Quarter120-119Bryce McGowens makes 1-foot layup (Micah Peavy assists)
  32. 4th Quarter123-119Josh Okogie makes 27-foot three point jumper (Aaron Holiday assists)
  33. 4th Quarter123-121Jordan Hawkins makes driving layup (Jeremiah Fears assists)
  34. 4th Quarter125-121Josh Okogie makes driving layup
  35. 4th Quarter125-123Jeremiah Fears makes 6-foot two point shot
  36. 4th Quarter126-123JD Davison makes free throw 2 of 2
  37. 4th Quarter126-126Jeremiah Fears makes 26-foot three point jumper
  38. 4th Quarter126-127Bryce McGowens makes free throw 1 of 2
  39. 4th Quarter126-128Bryce McGowens makes free throw 2 of 2
  40. 4th Quarter128-128Aaron Holiday makes 2-foot driving floating jump shot

Win probability

Above the line favours New Orleans Pelicans, below favours Houston Rockets.

Venue

  • Legacy Arena at BJCCBirmingham, AL
  • Attendance12444
  • OfficialsSean Wright, Jacyn Goble, Robert Hussey

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.