The Houston Rockets (24-30) travel to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans (33-22) on Thursday, February 22nd. This game will be played at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans and televised on BSNO. The Pelicans are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Rockets are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Wizards. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.

Rockets vs Pelicans

The Rockets Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Rockets were defeated by the Grizzlies in the most recent game, concluding with a score of 121-113. In addition to their straight-up loss, the Rockets also couldn’t meet the spread, coming up short as -2.5 point favorites. The over/under line for this matchup was set at 217.5 points, and the teams managed to exceed that total.

Coming into today’s game vs. the Pelicans, the Rockets are 24-30 overall and have gone 1-2 in their last three games. In the Western Conference, they are ranked 12th and are 3rd in the Southwest division.

Houston comes in with an overall ATS record of 28-25 so far this season. When playing on the road, the Rockets hold an ATS record of 9-16 in contrast to a 19-9 record against the spread when playing at home.

The Pelicans Are Coming Off A Win

The Pelicans’ most recent game versus the Wizards saw Zion Williamson lead the Pelicans with 36 points while shooting 15/21 from the field. As the Pelicans secured the victory with a final score of 133-126, CJ McCollum also chipped in with 26 points.

Looking at their overall record of 33-22, the Pelicans are 4-1 in their last five games. When playing on the road, the Pelicans are 17-12 compared to 16-10 at home.

This season, New Orleans holds an ATS record of 30-25, which also includes their two game losing streak against the spread. The Pelicans have been unable to cover the spread in their last two games as favorites, and they hold a 15-9 record against the spread when playing as underdogs.

Rockets Offense Breakdown

In 54 games games, Houston has an average of 113.3 points per game (22nd).

So far this season, the Rockets are averaging 113.3 points per game, which is 22nd in the NBA. When playing on the road, they are averaging 111.3 points per game.

In terms of pace, Houston is 13th in the league at 99.2 possessions per game. They are also 27th in assists, averaging 24.8 per game.

When it comes to shooting, the Rockets are 25th in field goal percentage at 46%. From two-point range, they are 25th in shooting percentage at 52%, while they are 26th in three-point shooting at 35%.

Pelicans Offense Breakdown

The Pelicans come into today’s game as the 14th ranked scoring offense at 116.5 points per game.

So far this season, the Pelicans have been a top-10 team in terms of field goal percentage, as they are shooting 48% from the field. In addition, they have been an above-average team in terms of three-point shooting, as they are hitting 37% of their attempts from beyond the arc.

When it comes to scoring, the Pelicans are averaging 116.5 points per game, which is 14th in the league. At home, they have been slightly better, averaging 117.6 points per game.

In terms of pace, the Pelicans are 19th in the league with an average of 98.1 possessions per game. So far, they have outscored the NBA scoring average in 52.7% of their games.

Rockets Team Defense

At this time, the Rockets’ defense is positioned 10th in the NBA, permitting 112.7 points per game. On two point field goal attempts, the Rockets’ defensive unit is allowing a field goal percentage of 54.0% and allowing 34.5% from beyond the arc.

Pelicans Team Defense

Coming into today’s game, the Pelicans’ defense is giving up an average of 112.2 points per contest. In terms of two point field goal attempts, the Pelicans defense has allowed a shooting percentage of 55.9% while allowing 34.5% from downtown.

Key Players For The Rockets And Pelicans

In today’s game, we anticipate Alperen Sengün leading the scoring for the Rockets, contributing 19 points while shooting 8/14 from the field. This season, he is averaging 21.2 points per game along with 9.1 boards.

On the other side, Brandon Ingram is our projected leading scorer for the Pelicans. We have him ending the game with a team-high 22 and grabbing 5 rebounds. This season, he has put together a field goal percentage of 49%, and he is contributing 21.4 points per game on average.

Rockets vs Pelicans Trends

• Through their last three road contests, the Rockets offense has averaged 110 points per game while allowing an average of 116. Houston posted an overall record of 0-3 while going 0-3 ATS.
• Across the Pelicans last ten home games, the team averaged 111 points per game while allowing 112. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 5-5, while going 6-4 straight-up.
• Spanning across their last three games as the betting underdog, the Rockets have gone 1-2 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 0-3.
• Across their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Pelicans have an overall record of 4-1 while going 2-3 against the spread.

Rockets vs Pelicans Prediction

We’re calling a win for the Pelicans, with a final score of 133-125, and we’re taking them to cover the spread. Our recommendation is to bet on the Pelicans at -7.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 228, and our model projects the Rockets and Pelicans to reach a combined total of 258 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.