New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets Prediction, NBA Odds
The Rockets rolled to a fourth straight dominating win on Wednesday night, outclassing the Los Angeles Lakers 128-94, and have now claimed victory by an average margin of 21.5 points during their longest win streak since December 2021. The Pelicans arrive in Houston for their group stage opener on a three-game slide, capped by Wednesday’s 122-101 loss in Minnesota.
The Rockets have yet to earn the confidence of oddsmakers, who list them as narrow 2.5-point home favourites on the Friday NBA odds. The Pelicans sport +120 odds on the NBA moneyline, while the total is pegged at 218.5.
Pelicans vs. Rockets NBA Betting Odds
The Rockets have found a higher gear at both ends of the court during their current 4-0 run. In addition to averaging 121.3 points per game during their current surge, the Rockets have also kept opposing shooters in check while giving up just 93.3 points per game over their past three contests. Houston’s current surge follows a strong finish to last season, which they closed out on a steady 4-1 run, and leaves the squad with a vastly improved 9-4 SU record over their past 13 home dates, 8-5 against the spread.
Winners in four of their first five outings of the season, the Pelicans have faded fast since, with their three recent defeats coming by an average margin of 19 points. Now sporting a 4-4 overall record, the Pelicans defence now ranks 19th in the league. The club has also struggled under the bucket, with opponents recording a league-high 50.3 rebounds per game to date. However, the Pelicans have enjoyed consistent success against the Rockets, winning and covering in eight of their past 10 clashes, capped by a 117-107 win in their last visit to Houston, back on March 19.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans have been stricken by a rash of injuries in the early going of the campaign. CJ McCollum is the latest to head to the clinic, and will reportedly be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a collapsed lung. McCollum was swinging into form just before his injury, contributing 31 points per game in his first two November appearances, and with Jose Alvarado still hobbled by an offseason ankle injury, opportunity has knocked for rookie Jordan Hawkins, who has averaged 15.2 points in his past five outings, highlighted by a 31-point performance in Monday’s 134-116 loss in Denver. The availability of Zion Williamson also remains uncertain. With his girlfriend close to giving birth, Williamson has spent time away from the team, and the timetable for his return is really out of his hands.
Houston Rockets
For the fourth time in five games, Jalen Green led the Rockets in scoring in Wednesday’s victory over the Lakers. The second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft dropped 28 points and seven boards in just 21 minutes of action, and has now scored at least 21 points in five of his past six outings. Fred VanVleet is settling into his role as playmaker on his new team. While VanVleet picked up just nine points in Wednesday’s win, he contributed 10 assists, and has recorded double-doubles in three of his past six appearances. However, the Rockets are also battling injuries. The team leader in rebounds, big man Alperen Sengun is listed as questionable for Friday with an ankle injury, and rookie Amen Thompson is also sidelined by an ankle injury.
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