New Orleans Pelicans Face Houston Rockets in Regular Season Finale

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Houston Rockets, already locked into the fourth seed in the Western Conference playoffs, have decided to rest James Harden, Jeremy Lin and Chandler Parsons for Wednesday night's regular season finale against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The decision by coach Kevin McHale removes from the lineup two starters and a regular reserve who've combined for an average of 54.5 points.

Houston opens the playoffs on Sunday at home against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Pelicans coach Monty Williams says he's unsure of the status of point guard Brian Roberts, who has missed the previous two games with a sore left ankle. But he says Roberts has done everything he can to be ready to play one last time this season for injury-plagued New Orleans.