New Orleans Pelicans (5-22) vs. Houston Rockets (17-9)
December 19, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Houston Rockets -9.5; Over/Under: +218.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets meet Thursday in NBA action at the Toyota Center. Here’s a Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction. This article will include a Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Pick.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Kings and Pacers, and they play the Knicks, Nuggets, and Grizzlies next. The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 105.2 points on 43.9 percent shooting and allowing 116.5 points on 48.3 percent shooting. Zion Williamson is averaging 22.7 points and 8 rebounds, while Brandon Ingram is averaging 22.2 points and 5.6 rebounds. CJ McCollum is the third double-digit scorer and Trey Murphy III is grabbing 4.5 rebounds. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 32.9 percent from beyond the arc and 76.1 percent from the free throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 36.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43 rebounds per game.
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
The Houston Rockets beat the Warriors, lost to the Thunder, and they play the Hornets, Raptors, and Timberwolves next. The Houston Rockets are averaging 112.7 points on 44 percent shooting and allowing 105.9 points on 43.4 percent shooting. Jalen Green is averaging 19.2 points and 4.7 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun is averaging 18.8 points and 10.6 rebounds. Fred VanVleet is the third double-digit scorer and Dillon Brooks is grabbing 3.7 rebounds. The Houston Rockets are shooting 32.7 percent from beyond the arc and 77.1 percent from the free-throw line. The Houston Rockets are allowing 34 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 49.4 rebounds per game.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last 13 road games.
- The Rockets have won each of their last seven games when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Rockets have covered the spread in 10 of their last 11 home games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six road games following a road loss.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of the last eight games between the Pelicans and Rockets have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Pelicans’ last five games against the Rockets following a road loss has gone UNDER the total points line.
Houston Rockets Player Facts
- Tari Eason ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for steals per 36 minutes (3.0) this season.
- Alperen Sengun ranks 4th in the league for second-chance points (95) this season.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Yves Missi ranks 7th in the league for second-chance points (85) this season.
- Trey Murphy III ranks 8th in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for FT% (88.2%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for opponent assists per game this season (21.7).
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for rebounds per game this season (49.3).
- The Pelicans rank 30th in the league for points per game this season (105.1).
- The Pelicans rank 30th in the league for three-point field goals made per game this season (10.9).
Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction
The New Orleans Pelicans have lost 9 of their last 10 games, and they’re still down Zion, Ingram, and Alvarado. It’s hard to take the Pelicans seriously. There’s a concern for a letdown with the Houston Rockets after their result in the NBA Cup. However, the Rockets are a feisty, aggressive team that probably has a fire in its belly. The poor Pelicans are just sitting there to get spanked. I’d assume this game gets ugly. Give me the Rockets in a home beatdown.
