The New Orleans Pelicans will square off against the Houston Rockets in the 10th edition of NBA Games in China. The two teams got some practice time in ahead of their contest in Shanghai's Mercedes-Benz Arena on Sunday.
 
It will be the Rockets' third game in their former star Yao Ming's native land, while it is the first visit for the Pelicans. New Orleans made the playoffs two years ago but failed to do so last season mainly due to injuries to key players, namely Anthony Davis. They then lost two of their squad to Houston with forward Ryan Anderson and guard Eric Gordon set to line up against them in China.

Under new coach Mike D'Antoni, Houston are expected to be a better offensive team but defence is still a major concern. The departure of big man Dwight Howard means more responsibility on the shoulders of James Harden who will now play as point guard.

After the Rockets' practice session on Saturday, the players gave a basketball clinic to 40 local children from the Special Olympics. Yao Ming and fellow Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, also joined the session.