The Houston Rockets (48 - 23) beat the New Orleans Pelicans (37 - 34) 95 - 93 on Wednesday. Dwight Howard made his return to the Rockets lineup after missing 25 games to injury. The Rockets planned to play him just 16 minutes against the Pelicans and they did just that, as he finished with four points and seven rebounds in 16 minutes. Most Valuable Player award candidate James Harden continued his dominant season, as he recorded 25 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. His speciality is getting to the free throw line, but he went just 6 - for - 9 from the charity stripe in New Orleans. Breakout superstar Anthony Davis had 24 points, 14 rebounds, three steals and three blocks in 44 minutes, as he attempted to help his team improve their playoff chances. Tyreke Evans' ankle has been bothering him lately and forced him to miss Sunday's game, a 107 - 100 loss to the Clippers. Evans was able to play Wednesday and he dropped 28 points, seven assists, two steals and one block in 38 minutes on the Rockets. The Pelicans shortened their bench to just three players, Dante Cunningham, Alexis Ajinca and Norris Cole. They combined for 19 points, nine rebounds and each recorded two assists. New Orleans has lost four straight and will host the Sacramento Kings on Friday. The Rockets will welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves to town on Friday
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