The Houston Rockets (24-30) take on the New Orleans Pelicans (33-22) in Louisiana for a Thursday night matchup. Despite the record, the visitors maintain a 2-1 regular series lead over the hosts. While those games occurred earlier in the year, the margins were five points combined in those victories.
Additionally, a lot happened since then as their latest game saw tonight’s home team more than take care of business in Texas. Seeing as that game was in late January, that’s a better game to go by. However, some matchup concerns and potential troubles remain for the favorites. An upset can occur again, particularly with rested teams.
But who do you see the home side evening up the series tonight?
Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Houston Rockets | +7 -115 |
O 228 -110 |
+220 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | -7 -105 |
U 228 -110 |
-270 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: Houston Rockets @ New Orleans Pelicans
Date And Time: February 22, 2024 @ 8:00 p.m. EST
Location: Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisianna
Key Stats
Houston Rockets (Averages)
Points: 113.3
Points Allowed: 112.7
Field Goal Efficiency: 41.6/90.0 for 46.2%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.0/34.2 for 35.1%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.2/23.6 for 77.2%
Rebounds: 11.0 Offensive, 34.7 Defensive, 45.7 Combined
Assists: 24.8
Steals: 7.5
Blocks: 4.4
Turnovers: 12.4
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.4/87.6 for 46.1%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 12.4/35.8 for 34.7%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 19.6/26.2 for 74.6%
Rebounds Against: 10.4 Offensive, 33.9 Defensive, 44.3 Combined
Houston is a couple of pieces and a couple of years removed from contending. However, they are largely solid, particularly on the defensive end. But scoring remains an issue with this roster. The Houston Rockets had a hot stretch toward the beginning of the season. At the same time, they’ve also lost five of their last six games. Therefore, two things are true. It’s hard to pick them to win, but it’s also logical to think they’re due for a random NBA regular season win. Regardless, this team looks to put up a bigger fight than their record anticipates. Additionally, this helps to explain why the spread is where it is currently at.
All 3 of these 2021-22 Houston #Rockets highlights happened in the same game.@Kevinporterjr x @alperennsengun x @JalenGreen 🍿 pic.twitter.com/bewVPs8brD
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) August 24, 2022
Jalen Green produces at a consistent level. As of late, he is their leading scorer. But he’s helped through the play of Alperen Sengun. They both receive increased looks through Amen Thompson, who often leads the team in assists. Again, they have a nice young nucleus. However, they need more time together and likely will need to add veteran help if they are truly going to make a playoff run in the near future.
New Orleans Pelicans (Averages)
Points: 116.5
Points Allowed: 112.2
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.9/87.8 for 48.9%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.1/32.1 for 37.7%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.5/24.2 for 76.6%
Rebounds: 10.9 Offensive, 33.3 Defensive, 44.2 Combined
Assists: 27.1
Steals: 8.4
Blocks: 4.8
Turnovers: 12.6
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.8/87.8 for 46.5%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.4/38.8 for 34.6%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.2/21.9 for 78.7%
Rebounds Against: 10.1 Offensive, 32.1 Defensive, 42.1 Combined
New Orleans hopes to get started right. Although they are on a three-game winning streak, they don’t want to lose a series to the Houston Rockets. Especially when a lot of fans are picking them to keep their sixth place in the Western Conference. Doing so allows the team to avoid the play-in tournament. Additionally, they know that dropping games you are expected to win hurts your chances significantly down the road. Although this team would be favored in a lot of matchups. Single-elimination is something they look to avoid altogether.
TIES HIS SEASON HIGH WITH 36 POINTS @Zionwilliamson 💪 pic.twitter.com/HaqkLJ9J9i
— ShowMeNumbas (@showmenumbas) February 15, 2024
However, there is slight worry in their building. Brandon Ingram missed practice due to an undisclosed illness. Therefore, as a result of being sick, he remains a game-time decision. Of course, they have another former Duke Blue Devil in Zion Williamson. But not having Ingram allows the Houston Rockets defense to focus their efforts on him.
Game Prediction
This game will likely be closer than expected. Although the New Orleans Pelicans have more talent, the Houston Rockets won’t go away quietly. Additionally, the visitors know how to hang with the more talented team as they have already beaten them twice. Even if it was earlier, the potential absence of Ingram is too much to overlook. Also, if he is good to go, he’s not likely to be at a full 100%. Therefore Houston covering is the play.
However, I do not like them to win a third game against the Pelicans. Although I expect them to cover, I do see New Orleans pulling out a win. But this plays into the under hitting too. With an increased defensive scrutiny, Williamson will struggle a little more than anticipated. But he ultimately does enough to eke out a win against the Houston Rockets.
Final Pick
Houston Rockets +7 and Under 228
About the Author
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