NBA Betting Preview: Rockets vs Pelicans
The Houston Rockets tip off against the New Orleans Pelicans in this NBA clash. Our betting preview features expert NBA predictions, betting tips, the latest odds, H2H stats, player stats, team news and confirmed starting lineups.
Let’s Take a Chance on Pelicans
Our prediction is that the Pelicans will cover the line and prove to be competitive. It’s currently set at +6.5 against the Rockets and that makes plenty of appeal, with -110 available.
7 Triumphs for Rockets in Previous 10 H2H Clashes
Houston Rockets triumphed in their previous game. It was on the road where Memphis Grizzlies were beaten 119-109 at FedExForum. Kevin Durant poured in 25 points, with Jabari Smith contributing 21 and Amen Thompson adding 18.
New Orleans Pelicans lost on the road in their last game, making it four straight defeats. Toronto Raptors won 119-106 at Scotiabank Arena. Zion Williamson scored 22 points, with Saddiq Bey adding 19 and Derik Queen 13.
Head-to-Head Statistics
The Rockets have claimed back-to-back victories over the Pelicans. Both wins came at Toyota Center and the scorelines were 119-110 and 107-105. It’s been seven Rockets wins in the past 10 games between these teams.
Rockets
44
29
0.603
114.1
110.2
3.9
25-10
19-19
8-6
24-22
5-5
1W
Pelicans
25
50
0.333
115.3
119.3
-4
16-22
9-28
7-8
16-30
5-5
4L
Houston Rockets – Last 10 Games
5 wins and 5 losses in the past 10 games. The Rockets are averaging 111.2 points, 47.7 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 8.1 steals and 5.4 blocks while shooting 47.6% from the field and 73.8% from the free-throw line. The opposition have an average of 112.5 points and 39.7 rebounds per matchup.
Kevin Durant is averaging 25.5 points and 5.0 assists, while Amen Thompson averages 8.8 rebounds and Reed Sheppard 2.8 (32.9%) 3-pointers made.
New Orleans Pelicans – Last 10 Games
The Pelicans have won 5 and lost 5 of their last 10 contests. Averaging 115.9 points, 43.7 rebounds, 26.5 assists, 9.2 steals and 6.2 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field and 75.0% from the free-throw line. Their opponents average 113.5 points and 44.9 rebounds.
Zion Williamson is averaging 20.6 points, Yves Missi 6.6 rebounds and Dejounte Murray 4.8 assists, while Trey Murphy has an average of 2.9 (37.7%) 3-pointers made.
Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction & Picks
Our Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans betting guide delivers expert insight, including a main match pick, scoreline advice, standout player props and bet builder recommendations. Dive into each section below for more.
Game Prediction
There’s some excellent value on the spread for this NBA contest and we like the Pelicans at +6.5. We’re happy to take the underdogs with this advantage at -110.
The handicappers at Sportsgambler.com always keep close tabs on team news as it develops. We also rely on recent form and key NBA stats to help shape our basketball predictions and guide the final call.
Key Rockets vs Pelicans stats:
The +6.5 line has been covered by Pelicans in 8 consecutive games at home.The +6.5 line has been covered by Pelicans in 14 of their last 20 games.The -6.5 line hasn’t been covered by Rockets in 9 of their last 10 games on the road.The -6.5 line hasn’t been covered by Rockets in 16 of their last 20 games on the road.Pelicans +6.5 Probability
According to the best betting apps, our pick has a 52.4% chance of winning. However, our research has found that the actual probability is between 55-60%. This wager can therefore be backed with confidence.
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Our Game Prediction
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Published 19:02, 28 March 2026
Player Prop Picks
Saddiq Bey (Pelicans) has totaled Over 2.5 assists in 5 straight games at home. There’s an opportunity to enjoy a Player Assists bet which is priced at -111 that he is able to cover the line.
Latest Saddiq Bey Player Prop Odds
Zion Williamson (Pelicans) has had Over 20.5 points in 4 straight games. There’s an opportunity to wager on Player Points and the line looks attractive, with -110 available that it’s covered.
Latest Zion Williamson Player Prop Odds
Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Correct Score Prediction
There might not be too much between these teams, with our correct score prediction being a 116-113 win for the Rockets. There are enormous odds available when it comes to this pick.
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Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Odds
The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.
Latest Moneyline Odds Suggest Rockets Victory
Sportsbooks’ favorites Houston Rockets are regarded as likeliest victors for this NBA game and the -222 about them triumphing means a 69% chance based on their current Moneyline betting odds. New Orleans Pelicans are the underdogs at +184 and they’re regarded as least likely to win.
The spread is 6 and the total points line is currently 224.5. The beauty of the Totals is that you only have to choose from one of two options. If you want to back Over 224.5, it’s -110.
The good news is that you can access a huge selection of game lines and team props for most contests. The top basketball betting sites have a massive range of pre-game and in-game wagering options.
Betting Lines & Odds
Moneyline
Point Spread
Total Points
Kevin Durant Favorite to Get the Most Buckets
Kevin Durant is the favorite to score most points. He is priced at -123 to score Over 24.5 points. Alternatively, you can back Under at -104.
Player Points
Kevin Durant (Rockets)
Zion Williamson (Pelicans)
Trey Murphy III (Pelicans)
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Player Assists
Dejounte Murray (Pelicans)
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Kevin Durant (Rockets)
Player Rebounds
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Jabari Smith Jr (Rockets)
Kevin Durant (Rockets)
Live market odds and lines updated regularly. All odds subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Smoothie King Center
Pelicans Hold Seven Wins in Previous Ten at Home
The Pelicans are 7-3 in their last 10 home games, putting up 119.20 points on average and giving up 114.10.
The Rockets have a 4-6 record in their last 10 road games, putting up 111.60 points per contest and giving up 117.50.
The Pelicans defeated the Rockets 133-128 in their last meeting at Smoothie King Center. Over the past 10 head-to-head meetings at Smoothie King Center, the Pelicans have collected seven wins, while the Rockets have three.
New Orleans Pelicans Home Stats
7-3
233.30
119.20
114.10
7
3
Houston Rockets Away Stats
4-6
229.10
111.60
117.50
4
6
W-L = Wins-Losses
P = Avg. Points
PF = Avg. Points For
PA = Avg. Points Against
O224.5 = Games Over 224.5 Points
U224.5 = Games Under 224.5 Points
Team Stats
Latest regular season and playoff games stats.
Houston Rockets Stats
New Orleans Pelicans Stats
5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 home games
-6.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 3 of the last 10 games
-6.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the spread in 1 of the last 10 games on the road
+6.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 8 of the last 10 games
+6.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the spread in 8 of the last 10 home games
Game Totals: An average of 223.70 pts in the previous 10 games
Game Totals on the Road: An average of 229.10 pts in the previous 10 games on the road
Over 224.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
Over 224.5 on the Road: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games on the road
Team Totals: Have scored an average of 111.20 pts and allowed 112.50 pts in the last 10 games
Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 111.60 pts and allowed 117.50 pts in the last 10 games on the road
Game Totals: An average of 229.40 pts in the previous 10 games
Game Totals at Home: An average of 233.30 pts in the previous 10 home games
Over 224.5: Covered in 7 of the previous 10 games
Over 224.5 at Home: Covered in 7 of the previous 10 home games
Team Totals: Have scored an average of 115.90 pts and allowed 113.50 pts in the last 10 games
Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 119.20 pts and allowed 114.10 pts in the last 10 home games
Last 10 Games
2-Pointers Made: 31.80 (56%)
3-Pointers Made: 10.60 (33%)
Free Throws Made: 15.80 (73.83%)
Rebounds: Total 47.7, Offensive 14.70, Defensive 33.00
Assists: 26.70
Blocks: 5.40
Steals: 8.10
Turnovers : 16.00
Personal Fouls: 17.30
Last 10 Games on the Road
2-Pointers Made: 33.00 (57%)
3-Pointers Made: 9.40 (30%)
Free Throws Made: 17.40 (76.99%)
Rebounds: Total 46.3, Offensive 13.70, Defensive 32.60
Assists: 24.70
Blocks: 6.50
Steals: 7.80
Turnovers : 15.10
Personal Fouls: 17.50
Last 10 Games
2-Pointers Made: 30.80 (54%)
3-Pointers Made: 11.70 (37%)
Free Throws Made: 19.20 (75%)
Rebounds: Total 43.7, Offensive 11.70, Defensive 32.00
Assists: 26.50
Blocks: 6.20
Steals: 9.20
Turnovers : 12.80
Personal Fouls: 18.00
Last 10 Home Games
2-Pointers Made: 31.70 (57%)
3-Pointers Made: 11.50 (35%)
Free Throws Made: 21.30 (77.17%)
Rebounds: Total 45.5, Offensive 11.30, Defensive 34.20
Assists: 26.00
Blocks: 6.30
Steals: 9.30
Turnovers : 13.70
Personal Fouls: 18.80
Starting Lineups
Both teams’ confirmed lineups will be published ahead of tip-off. There is also the chance to look at the lineups from the previous 10 games.
Expert Analysis by Kyrone Jones
NBA Analyst
About the Analyst
Our basketball previews are produced by a specialised team of analysts, former odds compilers and sports journalists. Picks are research-driven and reviewed for accuracy and editorial consistency under the oversight of our basketball panel and Editor-in-Chief.
NBA Predictions Methodology
Our NBA analysis focuses on efficiency, pace and player performance ratings. We combine player availability, schedule context, lineup data and market movement with metrics such as Offensive Rating (ORTG), Defensive Rating (DRTG), Net Rating and Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) to assess overall team strength, fatigue analysis and find value in high-paced games.
Full Methodology & Data Sources
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Transparency & Safety
This preview was last updated on Mar 28, 21:40 to reflect the latest team news, injury reports, starting lineups, player rotations, rest and travel factors, key performance metrics and odds movement.
All analysis is produced by professional analysts and reviewed by our Basketball Editorial Betting Panel for accuracy and consistency.
Historical performance for our game predictions is tracked and updated regularly for transparency.
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