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.
Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Johnny’s December record: 18-9-1. Strongest plays: 9-3.
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