New Orleans Pelicans (26-21) vs. Houston Rockets (22-24)
January 31, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Houston Rockets +2.5; Over/Under: +230.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The New Orleans Pelicans are riding a 3-game losing streak. The Houston Rockets need a win after losing 6 of their last 9 games. Let’s preview this game and give out a New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets prediction.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off losses to the Thunder, Bucks, and Celtics. The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 116.6 points on 48.7 percent shooting and allowing 113.1 points on 46.5 percent shooting. Zion Williamson is averaging 22 points and 5.5 rebounds, while Brandon Ingram is averaging 21.4 points and 4.9 rebounds. CJ McCollum is the third double-digit scorer and Jonas Valanciunas is grabbing 9.6 rebounds. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 38.1 percent from beyond the arc and 76.5 percent from the free throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 34.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.3 rebounds per game.
New Orleans Pelicans Team Facts
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last four games as favorites against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games as favorites against Southwest Division opponents.
- Each of the Pelicans’ last five games as favorites against the Rockets have gone UNDER the total points line.
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
The Houston Rockets recently beat the Hornets and Lakers while losing to the Nets. The Houston Rockets are averaging 113.7 points on 46.3 percent shooting and allowing 112.5 points on 45.8 percent shooting. Alperen Sengun is averaging 21.9 points and 9.2 rebounds, while Jalen Green is averaging 18.2 points and 4.9 rebounds. Fred VanVleet is the third double-digit scorer and Dillon Brooks is grabbing 3.5 rebounds. The Houston Rockets are shooting 35.2 percent from beyond the arc and 77.9 percent from the free throw line. The Houston Rockets are allowing 34.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 45.7 rebounds per game.
Houston Rockets Team Facts
- The Rockets have won seven of their last eight games against Southwest Division opponents.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in each of the Rockets’ last five games at Toyota Center.
- Each of the last six games between the Pelicans and Rockets have gone UNDER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets prediction
The New Orleans Pelicans are better than this recent losing stretch suggests, and I’m going to assume they right the ship sooner than later. The Houston Rockets have been so shaky these last few weeks that they’re hard to trust against good teams. The Pels are the more talented team, and you could argue this line should be steeper. Give me the Pelicans and the small chalk. I haven’t liked what I’ve seen from the Rockets for a while now.
