Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans: preview and player stats (Feb 12, 2027)

League Suspension (2026-11-13, UTA@HOU). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Smart has been suspended three games for throwing a punch during Wednesday's matchup against Golden State, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. Smart, who was ejected from Wednesday's game for punching Charles Bassey, will begin serving his suspension Friday night against the Jazz, meaning he'll be eligible to return Wednesday versus Indiana. Bruce Thornton and Reed Sheppard should be in line for more minutes while Smart serves his three-game ban.

Injury/Illness - Right Soleus Strain (2026-11-13, UTA@HOU). Prior reporting (2026-11-09): Head coach Ime Udoka said Monday that Adams could return as soon as Sunday's game at Washington, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports. The veteran center is still recovering from a right soleus strain and hasn't played since Oct. 23. With Adams and Clint Capela (ankle) both sidelined, Tari Eason and Jabari Smith figure to see increased burn at center.

Injury/Illness - Right Ankle Sprain (2026-11-13, UTA@HOU). Prior reporting (2026-11-09): Head coach Ime Udoka stated Monday that Capela (ankle) could be cleared to return either Nov. 15 in Washington or Nov. 16 in Miami, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports. Capela is missing a fourth straight game Monday against Denver due to a right ankle sprain, but he appears to be trending in the right direction. He'll presumably need to log 5-on-5 work before gaining clearance to play, though the Rockets haven't disclosed how far along the big man is in his rehab.

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-13, UTA@HOU).

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-13, UTA@HOU).

Injury/Illness - Bilateral Patellar Tendinopathy (2026-11-13, MEM@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Murphy (knee) is listed as doubtful for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. Murphy is now in line to miss a third consecutive contest with a knee issue. Herbert Jones should continue to start for the Pelicans on Friday, but Saddiq Bey is likely to notice a larger bump in fantasy value.

Injury/Illness - Left Knee Contusion / Bone Bruise (2026-11-13, MEM@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Missi (knee) is listed as doubtful for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. The doubtful tag is Missi's first since going down with a knee bone bruise in late October, signaling he's at least inching closer toward returning. Karlo Matkovic is in line for at least one more start at center for the Pelicans on Friday.

Injury/Illness - Left Elbow Infection (2026-11-13, MEM@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): McGowens (elbow) is listed as doubtful for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. McGowens is expected to miss the first leg of this back-to-back set due to a left elbow infection. With Trey Murphy (knees) and Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) also doubtful to play, Jordan Poole, AJ Johnson and Herbert Jones are in line for increased burn.

Injury/Illness - Right Thumb Sprain (2026-11-13, MEM@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Mathurin (thumb) is listed as doubtful for Friday's game against Memphis. Mathurin is expected to miss a second consecutive contest with a right thumb sprain. The Pelicans are also listing Trey Murphy (knees), Yves Missi (knee) and Bryce McGowens (elbow) as doubtful, so the team could be shorthanded in the front end of this back-to-back set. If Mathurin is ruled out, Jordan Poole and Herbert Jones would be candidates for increased minutes.

Injury/Illness - Right Ankle Sprain (2026-11-13, MEM@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-12): Watford (ankle) is listed as out for Friday's game against the Grizzlies. Friday marks a third consecutive absence for Watford, who has no timetable for a return with a sprained ankle. His absence solidifies DeAndre Jordan's spot in the center rotation.

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-13, MEM@NOP).

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-13, MEM@NOP).