Rockets vs. Pelicans game thread: It doesn't get easier

Before the Rockets feasted on the woeful Hornets on New Year's Eve, they had gone 2-4 against the Pelicans, Hawks, Wizards, Spurs, Grizzlies and Blazers. The new pieces haven't meshed particularly well, despite some standout individual performances. The Rockets no longer lead their division, and they're in danger of dropping out of the critical No. 4 spot in the playoffs.

Starting tonight, six of the Rockets' next 8 games are on the road, including in Chicago and Cleveland (the Cavs will be without LeBron). After that stretch the Thunder and the Warriors come to town. Things just won't get easier any time soon (luckily, the Rockets face the Knicks on the second night of a back-to-back, so that one should give McHale an opportunity to give the vets a break).

At what point do people start getting antsy about the chemistry and fit of the pieces? I'm not close to that -- I'm nervous about the losses for playoff seeding but it seems like everyone in the West is slumping simultaneously -- but give me another two weeks if things don't look any better.