NBA Game Today: Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans - December 17, 2025

🏀 Today's matchup features the Houston Rockets taking on the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

📺 Broadcast: GCSEN / WVUE

⏰ Tip-off Time: 12/19/2025, 1:00:00 AM

Match Preview

Epic NBA Showdown: Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Pelicans on December 17, 2025

Mark your calendars, basketball fans! As the date of December 17, 2025, rolls in, we're set for an electrifying NBA game today with the Houston Rockets taking on the New Orleans Pelicans at the infamous Smoothie King Center. This clash of titans will be live on GCSEN and WVUE, so whether you’re sporting your Rockets gear or shouting "Let’s go, Pels!" you won't want to miss a second of this epic showdown.

Key Player Matchups

Let’s dive into the spicy player matchups that’ll have you glued to your seat. On the Rockets' side, you've got the dynamic duo of Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün leading the charge. Green’s explosive scoring ability and Şengün’s crafty post moves are must-see TV. But wait, the Pelicans aren't ones to back down. Zion Williamson, with his sheer brute strength and jaw-dropping agility, looks to wreak havoc in the paint, while Brandon Ingram’s silky-smooth perimeter shooting is a threat like few others in the league. All eyes should be on the Green vs. Ingram battle—a back-and-forth scoring fest is a sweet Christmas gift come early, folks!

Team Strengths and Weaknesses

The Houston Rockets game today is all about agility and speed. This young squad thrives in transition—watch for some oh-my-God alley-oops that’ll make your jaw drop! However, they’ve got to tighten up on defense, especially against Zion's bulldozer drives. On the flip side, the New Orleans Pelicans game today features a robust inside game. With Zion bulldozing through defenses and Jonas Valančiūnas cleaning up the glass, they’re a force in the paint. Yet, they occasionally struggle with perimeter defense, leaving them vulnerable to sharpshooters.

Keys to Victory

For Houston to pull off a win, they've got to push the tempo and capitalize on fast-break opportunities. Green needs to go full speed ahead, and Şengün has to dominate with his finesse around the rim. Defensively, they must double-team Zion to keep him from going beast mode. The Pelicans, meanwhile, have to pound it inside. Zion and Jonas need to challenge Houston’s interior and wear them down. Also, Ingram needs to find his rhythm early, making it rain from downtown and stretching the Rockets' defense thin.

Energetic Predictions

Alright, ballers, here’s my bold prediction—coming at you as your NBA bro dropping all the truth bombs! This is going to be a high-scoring affair (grab your popcorn, seriously). The Rockets will push the pace, leading to a highlight reel of crazy dunks and slick passes. But in the end, I’m feeling a Pelicans win at home. Zion’s going to go absolutely bonkers with a 30-point double-double, while Ingram hits clutch threes to seal it. Final score? Pelicans 118, Rockets 112. Get ready, this one’s going to be an absolute barnburner. Let’s hoop, baby!

🔥 Stay tuned for updates on today’s Rockets vs Pelicans NBA matchup!