March 13, 2026, 12:21 p.m. ET

The New Orleans Pelicans (22-45) face the Houston Rockets (40-25) Friday at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Pelicans vs. Rockets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 1-1; Rockets won 119-110 at home Jan. 18, Pelicans won 133-128 in OT at home Dec. 18

Although it’s been a disappointing campaign for the Pelicans, they are 7-3 in their last 10 games and are currently on a 2-game winning streak. New Orleans’ most recent outing was a 122-111 victory over the Toronto Raptors Wednesday as a 2.5-point underdog as the Under (235.5) hit.

While the Rockets are the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, they’ve alternated losses and wins over their last 7 contests. Houston lost 129-93 Wednesday to the Denver Nuggets as a 6.5-point underdog as the Under (231.5) hit.

Watch the NBA on Fubo!Pelicans at Rockets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:11 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pelicans +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Rockets -285 (bet $285 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +6.5 (-102) | Rockets -6.5 (-118)Over/Under (O/U): 230.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Pelicans at Rockets key injuries

Pelicans

SF Bryce McGowens (toe) out

Rockets

C Alperen Sengun (back) questionableSF Jae’Sean Tate (knee) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Pelicans at Rockets picks and predictionsPrediction

Rockets 115, Pelicans 110

PASS.

Despite taking the Rockets (-285) to come away with a win at home, there is no value in backing them outright at these odds.

BET PELICANS +6.5 (-102).

Even though Houston is the better team, they haven’t looked like contenders recently, and they’ve gone 5-5 ATS over their last 10 outings. Meanwhile, New Orleans has shown signs of life, recording an 8-2 record ATS in their last 10 games.

The Rockets have also struggled to cover at home, logging the second-worst record ATS (12-18) in the NBA when playing in front of their home fans. As for the Pelicans, they are a league-best 14-7 ATS following a win.

BET UNDER 230.5 (-110).

While the Pelicans operate at the 11th-fastest pace in the league, the Rockets play at the second-slowest pace. This is part of the reason why Houston has the fourth-worst record to the Over (10-19-1) at home this season.

Along with the Rockets being fifth in adjusted defensive rating (112.3) and effective field-goal percentage allowed (53.0%), the Pelicans are 13th in defensive rating across their last 10 contests. When labeled as road underdogs, New Orleans is also 15-13 to the Under.

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