NFL Pickwatch - New Orleans Pelicans at Houston Rockets Player Props, Picks and Predictions

New Orleans Pelicans at Houston Rockets Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/19/2024 8:00 PM EST

We have your New Orleans Pelicans at Houston Rockets prop betting and game preview needs covered as the New Orleans Pelicans hit the road to face the Houston Rockets.

New Orleans Pelicans at Houston Rockets Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: New Orleans Pelicans +400 (ESPN BET) / Houston Rockets -480 (BetRivers)
Best Spread Odds: -10.5 - New Orleans Pelicans -115 (FanDuel) / Houston Rockets -105 (FanDuel)
Best Total Odds: 219.5 - Under -115 (ESPN BET) / 219.0 - Over -110 (BetRivers)

Game Info

Date: 12/19/2024
Time: 8:00 PM EST
Location: Toyota Center (Houston)
TV: NBA League Pass

New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends

On the road, the New Orleans Pelicans have 1 wins and 13 losses this season.
As the favorite, the New Orleans Pelicans have 3 wins and 18 losses this season.
Overall this season, the New Orleans Pelicans have 5 wins and 22 losses.

Houston Rockets Betting Trends

At home, the Houston Rockets have 10 wins and 3 losses this season.
As the favorite, the Houston Rockets have 13 wins and 5 losses this season.
Overall this season, the Houston Rockets have 17 wins and 9 losses.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the New Orleans Pelicans and the Houston Rockets have faced each other four times, with each team securing two victories. The games have been evenly split between home and away wins, with the visiting team winning twice and the home team also winning twice. In terms of betting outcomes, the Pelicans have covered the spread in two of these matchups, while the Rockets have covered once. The games have generally leaned towards lower scoring, with the total going under the set line in three of the four contests, and only one game surpassing the over.

The most recent encounter between these teams took place on February 22, 2024, where the New Orleans Pelicans emerged victorious with a decisive 127-105 win over the Houston Rockets. The Pelicans, favored by a 6.5-point spread, comfortably covered it, winning by a 22-point margin. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 27 points, while CJ McCollum added 28 points, including a crucial three-pointer late in the second quarter. The Pelicans showcased a strong offensive performance, shooting 52.1% from the field and recording 35 assists. On the other hand, the Rockets struggled with turnovers, committing 24 in total, which contributed to their defeat. Alperen Sengun was a standout for Houston, scoring 20 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Pelicans' dominant play.

In the context of these matchups, the Pelicans have demonstrated a slight edge in recent games, particularly in their ability to capitalize on turnovers and maintain a high shooting percentage. The Rockets, while competitive, have faced challenges in maintaining possession and converting opportunities into points. As both teams prepare for their upcoming game on December 19, 2024, these historical performances provide a framework for understanding potential strategies and areas of focus for each team. The Pelicans will likely aim to replicate their efficient offensive execution, while the Rockets will need to address their turnover issues to improve their chances of success.

New Orleans Pelicans at Houston Rockets Preview

The New Orleans Pelicans are set to face the Houston Rockets in a matchup that highlights contrasting fortunes for both teams this season. The Pelicans, struggling at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 5-22 record, are on a four-game losing streak and have been unable to find their rhythm, particularly on the road where they have only managed one win against thirteen losses. Their offensive struggles are evident as they average just 105.1 points per game, the lowest in the conference, and are further hampered by injuries to key players like Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson.

In stark contrast, the Houston Rockets have been enjoying a strong season, sitting third in the Western Conference with a 17-9 record. They have been particularly dominant at home, boasting a 10-3 record at the Toyota Center. The Rockets lead the conference in rebounding, averaging 49.3 boards per game, with Alperen Sengun playing a pivotal role by contributing 10.6 rebounds per game. Despite a recent dip in form, losing three of their last five games, the Rockets are poised to capitalize on a more favorable schedule ahead.

Historically, the encounters between these two teams have been evenly matched, with each team securing two wins in their last four meetings. However, the Pelicans have shown a slight edge in recent matchups, notably with a decisive 127-105 victory over the Rockets in February 2024. In that game, the Pelicans' efficient shooting and ability to force turnovers were key factors in their success. As they prepare for their upcoming clash, the Pelicans will need to replicate this performance to stand a chance against a Rockets team that is looking to solidify its position in the standings.

With the Rockets entering this game as heavy favorites, the Pelicans will need to overcome significant odds and address their scoring deficiencies to challenge Houston's robust defense. The Rockets, on the other hand, will aim to exploit the Pelicans' vulnerabilities and continue their strong home form. This matchup promises to be a test of resilience for New Orleans and an opportunity for Houston to reaffirm their status as one of the top teams in the conference.

New Orleans Pelicans at Houston Rockets Pick: Houston Rockets Moneyline

As the New Orleans Pelicans prepare to face the Houston Rockets, the odds heavily favor the Rockets, and for good reason. The Rockets have been a formidable force this season, boasting a 17-9 record and sitting comfortably in third place in the Western Conference. Their home performance has been particularly impressive, with a 10-3 record at the Toyota Center, which underscores their dominance on their own court. In contrast, the Pelicans have struggled significantly, languishing at the bottom of the conference with a dismal 5-22 record. Their road woes are even more pronounced, having won just one of their fourteen away games this season.

The Rockets' strength lies in their rebounding prowess, leading the Western Conference with an average of 49.3 boards per game. Alperen Sengun has been a standout performer, contributing 10.6 rebounds per game, which will be crucial in controlling the pace and flow of the game. Despite a slight dip in form, losing three of their last five games, the Rockets are poised to take advantage of a more favorable schedule, starting with this matchup against the Pelicans.

On the other hand, the Pelicans are grappling with significant challenges, not least of which are injuries to key players like Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. Their offensive struggles are evident, as they average just 105.1 points per game, the lowest in the conference. This scoring deficiency, coupled with their inability to secure victories on the road, places them at a distinct disadvantage against a Rockets team that has been consistent and resilient.

Historically, the matchups between these two teams have been evenly split, but the current form and circumstances heavily tilt the scales in favor of the Rockets. With the Pelicans on a four-game losing streak and facing a 13-game road slide, the Rockets are well-positioned to exploit these vulnerabilities. Given these factors, the Houston Rockets are the clear choice for the moneyline pick, as they look to solidify their standing and capitalize on the Pelicans' ongoing struggles.

New Orleans Pelicans at Houston Rockets Top Player Prop Picks

Alperen Sengun Over 10.5 Rebounds -135 (bet365)

Alperen Sengun has been a dominant force on the boards for the Houston Rockets, leading the team with an average of 10.6 rebounds per game. The Rockets, as a team, lead the Western Conference in rebounding, averaging 49.3 boards per game. This matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans presents a prime opportunity for Sengun to continue his rebounding prowess. The Pelicans have struggled significantly this season, particularly on the road, and their offensive inefficiencies could lead to more rebounding opportunities for Sengun. Given the Rockets' strong home record and Sengun's consistent performance, taking the over on his rebounds seems a solid bet.

Fred VanVleet Over 2.5 3Fgm -108 (FanDuel)

Fred VanVleet's ability to score from beyond the arc will be crucial in this matchup against the Pelicans. With the Rockets looking to exploit the Pelicans' defensive vulnerabilities, VanVleet's three-point shooting could be a key factor. The Pelicans have allowed opponents to shoot 48.3% from the field, which is higher than the Rockets' shooting percentage this season. This discrepancy suggests that VanVleet will have opportunities to find his rhythm from deep. Given the Pelicans' struggles and VanVleet's role in the Rockets' offense, betting on him to hit over 2.5 three-pointers is a promising proposition.

CJ McCollum Over 20.5 Points -115 (DraftKings)

With the Pelicans missing key players like Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum will need to step up offensively. McCollum has shown the ability to lead the Pelicans in scoring, as evidenced by his 28-point performance in their last victory over the Rockets. The Pelicans' offensive struggles are well-documented, but McCollum's scoring ability provides a glimmer of hope. Facing a Rockets team that allows 106.1 points per game, McCollum will have the opportunity to exploit defensive lapses and carry the scoring load for New Orleans. Betting on McCollum to exceed 20.5 points is a strategic choice given the circumstances.