Houston Rockets: 5 must-watch games in December

4. Houston Rockets at New Orleans Pelicans (Dec. 29)

After losing DeMarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo over the offseason, a lot of people were surprised by New Orleans’ fast start. They started 4-0, but then they came crashing back to earth after losing six consecutive games.

The Pelicans started off the year with a huge 131-112 victory in Houston. The Rockets were completely dominated on both sides of the ball. The Pelicans somehow managed to score 76 points in the paint and led by as much as 29 points. The Rockets trailed the entire game and never even tied the score.

Anthony Davis finished with 32 points, 16 rebounds and 8 assists. Nikola Mirotic scored 30 points and drained six 3-pointers. Elfrid Payton had a triple double. It was an embarrassing effort from the Rockets on national television to say the least.

Over the course of a jam-packed 82 game season, NBA teams are forced to move on quickly after terrible performances. But when the Rockets are preparing for the Pelicans on Dec. 29, the sting of getting blown out on their own floor in the home opener is going to come back. Expect Houston to make the necessary adjustments and play better the second time around.

Next: No. 3