The Houston Rockets are beginning to establish clear roles in the clutch, and Head Coach Ime Udoka is finding the players he prefers to end games with as the te

The New Orleans Pelicans, last in the Western Conference, seek their first three-game winning streak of the season when they host the Houston Rockets on Thursday.

The Denver Nuggets managed to overcome the loss of Aaron Gordon in the first half and beat the Houston Rockets on the road at the Toyota Center on Friday in an NBA Cup game.

The Rockets' big splash was acquiring Kevin Durant to form a formidable trio with Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. The team's abundance of youth led it to a 52-30 record last season, but veteran talent was needed in order to take things to the next level. The 37-year-old adds a new dimension of offense to the group while reinforcing tough defense.

The Rockets are redefining dominance, forcing opponents into exhausting battles and earning grudging respect through relentless pressure, not flashy play.

Houston will try to end its three-game road slide when the Rockets play New Orleans. The teams match up Thursday for the first time this season.

Houston Rockets participated in one of their two practices before they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday.

Denver is on a four-game winning streak as they enter this contest with victories over Indiana, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Sacramento — four teams combined for a 35-70 record. The Nuggets prepare for a four-game homestead that starts with a rematch of their 112-109 victory in Houston.