Scouting report: vs. New Orleans Pelicans

When/where: 7 p.m.; Toyota Center.

TV/radio: ESPN, ATTSW; 740 AM and 850 AM (Spanish)

Rockets update: They went 4-1 in the preseason for the second consecutive season. … The Rockets won three of four meetings against the Pelicans last season and have won 11 of 14 games between the teams. … James Harden scored at least 20 points in four of the five games of the preseason. He scored at least 20 in 69 of his 72 games last season, when his 30.4 points per game led the NBA. He averaged 27 points on 41.7 percent shooting and 11 assists against the Pelicans last season. … James Ennis III has replaced Trevor Ariza as the Rockets’ starting small forward, averaging 9.3 points on 51.1 percent shooting in the preseason. … Michael Carter-Williams (left knee soreness) is probable. Centers Marquese Chriss (left ankle sprain) and Nene (right calf tightness) are doubtful. Guard Brandon Knight (left knee injury) and center Zhou Qi (left knee sprain) are out.

Pelicans update: They went 0-5 in the preseason, giving up an average of 137 points in the final two games. … Center Anthony Davis and guard Jrue Holiday were first-team all-defense selections last season. … Davis averaged 26 points on 50 percent shooting along with 10.7 rebounds against the Rockets last season. … The Pelicans missed a combined 338 games to injuries or illness last season, the most in the NBA. … Elfrid Payton replaced Rajon Rondo at point guar and averaged 8.6 points on 42.9 percent shooting, along with 6.6 assists per game in the preseason.

Statistically speaking: 15 – 3-pointers or more made by the Rockets in all five preseason games. They went 42-4 when making at least 15 3s last season.