What the Pelicans–Bulls Showdown Means for Houston Rockets Fans

The New Orleans Pelicans rallied past the Chicago Bulls on December 14, delivering a decisive victory that may not involve the Houston Rockets directly but still matters to fans tracking the Western Conference race. With playoff positioning becoming a weekly storyline, every cross-conference result counts.

The Pelicans, behind a strong second-half surge, tightened their grip on a top-tier spot in the West. For the Rockets, who have been fighting to climb the standings, that creates more pressure. Houston must continue stacking wins to keep pace with surging rivals.

The Bulls struggled to contain New Orleans’ offense, falling off late in the game. While this win doesn’t shift the Rockets’ schedule, it does shape the competitive landscape they must navigate. Houston’s young core is still developing consistency, and seeing another Western team build momentum raises the stakes.

Why It Matters for Houston

Western Conference separation is already taking shape. Every win by a playoff-caliber team like the Pelicans makes the margin for error tighter for Houston. The Rockets’ next stretch of games becomes even more important if they hope to avoid losing ground.

The Rockets have shown improved defense and better late-game execution this season, but they’ll need even more of that as the Pelicans rise in the standings. A crowded Western field means that Houston cannot afford slow starts or extended slumps.

What’s Next for the Rockets

Houston faces a challenging week ahead, including matchups with conference opponents who could influence the playoff ladder. If the Rockets capitalize on this stretch, they could keep pace with New Orleans and stay within striking distance of postseason positioning.

This article is a summary of reporting by NBA.com. Read the full story here.