In the second game of a road back-to-back, veteran guards John Wall and Eric Gordon will each return when the Houston Rockets visit Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. Wall and Gordon sat out Monday in Charlotte, when the short-handed Rockets lost to the hot-shooting Hornets, 119-94 (box score).
Ten days ago, the Rockets easily defeated the Pelicans in the same arena (Smoothie King Center) where Tuesday’s game will take place. But in that game, star big man Christian Wood led all players in points (27) and rebounds (9), while Victor Oladipo added 20 points in 25 minutes.
On Tuesday, Wood (right ankle sprain) and Oladipo will both be out, with the latter resting on night two of the back-to-back. That will make it much more challenging to defeat the Pelicans for a second time.
New Orleans also has the advantages of being at home, more rested, and with strong momentum from a three-game winning streak. With a win, the Pelicans would pass Houston in the Southwest Division standings.
https://embed.sendtonews.com/oembed/?SC=uofsxs5Nfj-1143483-7498&format=json&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right&float=on
[lawrence-related id=44815]
The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
- Point spread: Rockets +5.5 (-110), Pelicans -5.5 (-100)
- Moneyline: Rockets +180/Pelicans -225
- Over-under: 224.5 (-110 O, -100 U)
- Player O/U Scoring Props: Zion Williamson 23.5 (-115 O, -110 U), Brandon Ingram 23.5 (-105 O, -125 U), Eric Bledsoe 14.5 (-105 O, -120 U), Lonzo Ball 13.5 (-110 O, -115 U), Steven Adams 8.5 (+105 O, -135 U); Houston TBD
Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN, and WV at BetMGM.
Tuesday’s starters for New Orleans are expected to be Lonzo Ball, Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Steven Adams. Meanwhile, Stephen Silas will counter with John Wall, Eric Gordon, Jae’Sean Tate, PJ Tucker and DeMarcus Cousins for the Rockets.
Advice and prediction
The good news for the Rockets is that they’re 9-5 when Wall plays this season, including 7-1 when he does so without James Harden. Thus, his return is a welcome development. Wall and Gordon will replace Oladipo and Danuel House Jr. from Monday’s starting lineup in Charlotte, with House returning to his usual bench role.
Between Houston’s sudden scoring limitations without Wood and a defense that ranks No. 2 overall for the 2020-21 season, the under continues to be a worthwhile bet for games involving the Rockets.
Prediction: 110-105, Pelicans
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.
[listicle id=44840]