The Houston Rockets (16-7) and New Orleans Pelicans (5-22) meet Thursday. Tip-off from Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Rockets vs. Pelicans odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Rockets swept 4-0
The Rockets lost to the Denver Nuggets 128-125 in overtime Monday, failing to cover as a 1-point road favorite as the Over (237.5) cashed. C Alperen Sengun tallied a team-high 33 points on 14-for-27 shooting. Houston has alternated wins and losses over its last 4 games, going 1-3 against the spread (ATS) in that span. It is 14-9 ATS on the season.
The Pelicans, who have the worst record in the Western Conference, beat the Chicago Bulls on the road 114-104 Sunday, covering as a 4.5-point underdog with the Under (247.5) hitting with ease. F Trey Murphy III scored 20 points and hauled down 10 rebounds. New Orleans is riding a 2-game win streak and, more impressively, has covered in 7 of its last 8 games. It is 15-10-2 ATS on the season.
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Rockets at Pelicans odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rockets -425 (bet $425 to win $100) | Pelicans +320 (bet $100 to win $320)
- Against the spread: Rockets -9.5 (-115) | Pelicans +9.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 234.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Rockets at Pelicans key injuries
Rockets
- F Tari Eason (oblique) questionable
- F Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) out
- G Fred VanVleet (knee) out
Pelicans
- G Dejounte Murray (Achilles) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Rockets at Pelicans picks and predictions
Prediction
Rockets 124, Pelicans 118
PASS.
The Rockets (-425) should win against a weak Pelicans (+320) side, but they are too expensive to consider here.
BET PELICANS +9.5 (-105).
New Orleans has been on a roll for bettors over the last few weeks. In its last 14 contests, it has gone 11-3 ATS, having closed as an underdog in each of those performances. The Pelicans’ offense has been on a torrid pace as well, scoring at least 132 points in 2 of their last 3 games.
The Rockets have struggled, especially on the road. They have lost 3 straight away games, including contests against the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks, teams not currently in the playoff picture. They are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games. Take PELICANS +9.5 (-105).
BET OVER 234.5 (-105).
Both teams have been surging offensively. The Rockets have scored at least 117 points in 5 of their last 7 games, going Over the projected total in 4 of them. They have the third-most efficient offense, so they should be able to score with ease.
The Pelicans have scored at least 114 points in 6 of their last 7 games, going 5-2 O/U over that stretch. New Orleans is 16-11 O/U on the season. Back OVER 234.5 (-105).
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