The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Houston Rockets, 119-108, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.

The Pelicans (24-14) began their first game of Zion Williamson's (hamstring) latest absence looking like they wouldn't miss a beat, jumping out to a massive 45-22 lead through one. New Orleans still held the same 23-point advantage at halftime, and when it added another two points to its advantage in the third, the game was decided for all practical purposes.

Jalen Green and Kenyon Martin, Jr. co-led the Rockets with 16 points, adding four and two rebounds, respectively. Green also recorded four assists. Jabari Smith turned in a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist, two steals and one block. Alperen Sengun and Eric Gordon netted 13 points apiece, with Sengun also delivering five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block.

CJ McCollum paced the Pelicans with 28 points, supplementing them with six assists, one rebound and one block. Jonas Valanciunas and Naji Marshall generated matching 16-point contributions, while providing 17 and seven rebounds, respectively. Willy Hernangomez registered 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. Trey Murphy also produced 14 points. Jose Alvarado registered 13 points, five assists and two rebounds.

The Rockets return home to host the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night as well.