The New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets meet Friday in NBA action at the Toyota Center. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview 

The New Orleans Pelicans look to snap a 3-game losing streak. The New Orleans Pelicans have split their last 4 road games. The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 108.3 points on 44.5 percent shooting and allowing 115.3 points on 46.8 percent shooting. Zion Williamson is averaging 21.8 points and 7 rebounds, while CJ McCollum is averaging 21.7 points and 4.8 rebounds. Brandon Ingram is the third double-digit scorer and Jordan Hawkins is grabbing 3.6 rebounds. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 33.3 percent from beyond the arc and 75.8 percent from the free throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 31.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 42.6 rebounds per game.

New Orleans Pelicans Team Facts

• The Pelicans have lost 14 of their last 15 road games against Southwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
• The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six road games against Southwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
• Each of the Pelicans’ last four road games against Southwest Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.

Houston Rockets Betting Preview 

The Houston Rockets look to build on their 4-game winning streak. The Houston Rockets have won 4 straight home games. The Houston Rockets are averaging 112.6 points on 48.7 percent shooting and allowing 106.7 points on 45.3 percent shooting. Jalen Green is averaging 19.6 points and 4.3 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun is averaging 18.3 points and 8.3 rebounds. Fred VanVleet is the third double-digit scorer and Dillon Brooks is grabbing 4.6 rebounds. The Houston Rockets are shooting 39 percent from beyond the arc and 72.2 percent from the free throw line. The Houston Rockets are allowing 32.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.3 rebounds per game.

Houston Rockets Team Facts

• The underdogs have won each of the Rockets’ last three games.
• The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games against Southwest Division opponents after winning as underdogs.
• Each of the Rockets’ last six games as home favorites have gone OVER the total points line.

Randy’s Pick

The New Orleans Pelicans aren’t having an ideal week and the injuries continue to pile up. CJ McCollum is still out and Zion Williamson is questionable. The Houston Rockets have gotten hot out of nowhere, and they’re starting to get fat on these home victories. An undermanned Pelicans team is going to have their hands full with this young, athletic Rockets side that’s starting to gain confidence. I’ll lay the bucket with the Rockets.