The Houston Rockets (22-10) visit the New Orleans Pelicans (10-23) Sunday at 8 p.m. ET at Smoothie King Center. We analyze the Rockets-Pelicans odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
The Rockets won at home Saturday, beating the Brooklyn Nets 108-98 as G James Harden scored 44 points.
The Pelicans also won at home Saturday, routing the Indiana Pacers 120-98 behind 18 3-pointers and seven players scoring in double figures – led by F Brandon Ingram‘s 24 points.
Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.
Rockets at Pelicans: Key injuries
Rockets
- C Clint Capela (heel) questionable
- SG Eric Gordon (knee) probable
- SF Gerald Green (foot) out
- C Nene (groin) out
Pelicans
- SF Zion Williamson (knee) out
Rockets at Pelicans: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Rockets 120, Magic 114
Moneyline (ML)
The Pelicans are on a little hot streak, winning three in row. They should give the Rockets a good challenge, which makes their +145 ML tempting, but I can’t bet against Harden, Russell Westbrook and Co. Thus, HOUSTON (-175) is worth a small bet if you don’t mind laying that kind of juice.
Every $1.75 wagered on the Rockets ML will profit $1 if they win.
Line/Against the Spread (ATS)
The ROCKETS -3.5 (-115) are the STRONGEST PLAY. They’re 2-0 against the Pelicans this season, winning by 3 points at home and 6 points in New Orleans. They’re also 6-1 in their last seven road games with five of those wins by 5 or more points – three were by double digits.
New to sports betting? An $11.50 wager on the Rockets will profit $10 if they win by at least 5 points.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 228.5 (-115) is the play. Despite just being 6-11 O/U away from home, Houston ranks second in the league with 119.8 points per game away from home. New Orleans averages 113.9 PPG at home. That’s enough to convince me.
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Johnny’s December record: 18-9-1. Strongest plays: 9-3.
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