The New Orleans Pelicans look to make it two straight wins over the Houston Rockets when they meet in an NBA Southwest Division matchup at the Toyota Center.
Tonight’s matchup features plenty of talented offensive players, and my Pelicans vs. Rockets predictions expect a high-scoring affair.
Read on for my NBA picks for Saturday, January 18.
Pelicans vs Rockets prediction
Pelicans vs Rockets best bet: Over 229.5 (-110)
The Houston Rockets finally snapped their shooting slump by hitting 42.9% from three against Minnesota, a sharp rebound after a brutal 24.6% stretch from downtown.
Houston’s newfound offensive confidence should carry over tonight against a New Orleans Pelicans defense that struggles to contain the perimeter and protect the paint consistently.
New Orleans’ issues aren’t on the offensive end. When healthy, the Pelicans play fast and loose, pushing tempo and creating scoring opportunities on both sides of the ball.
That pace, combined with Houston’s improving shot quality, points toward a high-scoring environment in Space City.
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Pelicans vs Rockets same-game parlay
Kevin Durant and Trey Murphy III are going to enjoy playing in tonight's projected fast-paced game environment.
Durant has scored 26 or more points in six of his previous seven, while Murphy III has cleared 21 points in seven consecutive games.
Pelicans vs Rockets SGP
- Over 230.5
- Kevin Durant Over 25.5 points
- Trey Murphy III Over 20.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Splish splash
Jordan Poole has knocked down at least two triples in five straight games while Durant averages five dimes across his previous 10 contests.
Pelicans vs Rockets SGP
- Over 230.5
- Kevin Durant Over 25.5 points
- Trey Murphy III Over 20.5 points
- Kevin Durant Over 4.5 assists
- Jordan Poole Over 1.5 threes
Pelicans vs Rockets odds
- Spread: Pelicans +12.5 | Rockets -12.5
- Moneyline: Pelicans +491 | Rockets -752
- Over/Under: Over 230.5 | Under 230.5
Pelicans vs Rockets betting trend to know
The New Orleans Pelicans have hit the Game Total Over in 22 of their last 35 away games (+7.70 Units / 20% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Rockets.
How to watch Pelicans vs Rockets
| Location | Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
| Date | Sunday, January 18, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Pelicans+, Space City HN |
Pelicans vs Rockets latest injuries
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