NBA Hoops

Pelicans visit Rockets while making run at play-in berth

Without Paul George, Clippers carry on vs. Timberwolves

One month into the season, the notion of the New Orleans Pelicans challenging for a playoff berth seemed inconceivable given the absence of Zion Williamson and their ragged start.

But following their 113-105 road victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday, the Pelicans are just one-half game out of the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. New Orleans has won consecutive games for the third time since the calendar turned and will pursue its first three-game win streak since late December on the road Sunday against the Houston Rockets.

Without Williamson, the Pelicans have utilized an egalitarian approach rallying from a 1-12 start. Brandon Ingram is an undeniable star while Jonas Valanciunas has been stellar in his first season in New Orleans, but the Pelicans have inched back into playoff contention thanks to the contributions of role players like rookie forward Herb Jones and third-year center Jaxson Hayes.

“Herb is a guy that just continues to get better,” Pelicans coach…

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