Rockets (3-4), Pelicans (2-3)
HOUSTON – In a similar storyline to several of New Orleans' preseason games, the Pelicans' first unit played well Monday and built a nice lead, but as the evening progressed, the opponent gradually improved its play. New Orleans was up 37-27 through a quarter and later led by as many as 11 points, before Houston dominated the final period. The Pelicans were still in front 87-80 entering the final 12 minutes, but with almost exclusively reserves on the court for both teams, the fourth quarter belonged to the Rockets. Houston raced to a 40-13 scoring advantage to turn a seven-point deficit into a 20-point final margin of victory.