Davis powers Pelicans to 117-98 win over Rockets

NEW ORLEANS -- Anthony Davis had 26 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots as the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Houston Rockets 117-98 on Tuesday night.

Davis, who played nearly 31 minutes in the team's first home game of the preseason, has scored in double figures in three of New Orleans' four exhibition contests.

Pelicans center Omer Asik finished with 10 rebounds and eight points in his first game against his former team. Guard Eric Gordon contributed 15 points and four assists for New Orleans.

The Pelicans never trailed after taking a 2-0 lead on the opening possession.

Rockets guard Kostas Papanikolaou was the only Houston starter to reach double figures, scoring 13 points. Trevor Ariza added nine points and five rebounds.

Houston center Dwight Howard sat out for the third consecutive game with a knee injury.