Expected Western Conference contenders in the upcoming 2015–16 season will collide in the preseason today, Monday, when the Houston Rockets host the New Orleans Pelicans at the Toyota Center. 

The Rockets, who have been playing their past preseason games undermanned, aim to end a two-game losing slump against New Orleans. 

In their last preseason game, the Rockets lost to the Miami Heat 105–100 and were led by veteran forward Trevor Ariza who had 24 points, also having five rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block. 

Franchise star guard James Harden had 21 points and three assists in 30 minutes of action. Rockets forward Terrence Jones contributed a double-double performance for Houston tallying 12 points and 12 rebounds, with six assists, plus four steals. 

Former All-Star center Dwight Howard again did not play against the Heat due to a back injury. 

Like the Rockets, the Pelicans are also coming off a loss in their last preseason game as they were defeated by the Sacramento Kings last Saturday, 107–98. 

Veteran forward Ryan Anderson paced the Pelicans with 20 points, also having four rebounds, and two steals. All-Star Anthony Davis contributed an all-around performance tallying 19 points, eight rebounds, one assist, three steals, and one block. 

Along with Anderson and Davis, only one other member of the Pelicans scored in double-digits; it was reserve guard Bryce Dejean-Jones who scored 11 points, with three rebounds, two assists, and one steal. 

The game between the Rockets and Pelicans will feature two of the league's brightest stars in Harden and Davis who are expected to be contenders for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the 2015–16 season.

Based on Basketball-reference.com, Harden finished second in the voting last season just behind reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, while Davis was fifth. 

The Rockets and Pelicans' matchup will take place today, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m. EST. To watch via live stream, click here.