The Houston Rockets will take on the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 8:00 PM. The Rockets have a strong start to the season with a 16-7 record, while the Pelicans are looking to improve from their 5-22 record. Fans can catch the game on SCHN.
Rockets vs. Pelicans Betting Prediction
- Spread Prediction: Rockets -9.5. The Rockets have a strong record and solid stats, while the Pelicans have struggled this season. The Rockets’ defense is ranked high, which may limit the Pelicans’ scoring.
- Over/Under Prediction: Over 234.5. Both teams score a good number of points per game, and the Pelicans allow a lot of points. This suggests a high-scoring game.
Team Trends
- The game is at the Smoothie King Center.
- Houston Rockets have a current record of 16-7.
- New Orleans Pelicans have a current record of 5-22.
- The game is scheduled for December 18, 2025, at 8:00 PM.
- The game will be broadcast on SCHN.
Rockets vs Pelicans Preview
The Houston Rockets are set to play the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Rockets have a record of 16-7, and they have been playing well this season. Their starting lineup includes Josh Okogie, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengün. This group has shown strong performances in recent games, with Sengün and Durant leading in scoring.
On the other side, the Pelicans have a 5-22 record. They aim to turn things around with players like Jeremiah Fears, Herbert Jones, Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, and Derik Queen. Murphy and Williamson have been key players for the team, scoring consistently in recent games. Fans can watch the game on SCHN at 8:00 PM.
New Orleans Pelicans: Seeking a Turnaround
The New Orleans Pelicans are looking to improve their record at the Smoothie King Center. With a current record of 5-22, the team faces challenges early in the season. Playing at home might give them the boost they need to find some success. The Pelicans are trying to find their rhythm on both ends of the court. They need to focus on improving their defense and making more shots. Consistency will be key as they work to turn their season around. New Orleans aims to develop their young talent and build for the future. This game against the Houston Rockets is a chance to test themselves against a strong opponent. Fans will be watching to see how the Pelicans respond to the challenge.
Houston Rockets: Aiming High on the Road
The Houston Rockets are off to a strong start this season. With a record of 16-7, they sit fifth in the Western Conference. They have an 8-5 record on the road, showing they can win away from home. Kevin Durant leads the team with an average of 24.8 points per game. Alperen Sengün and Amen Thompson also contribute significantly. Sengün averages 23.5 points and 9.4 rebounds, while Thompson adds 17.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Coach Ime Udoka will miss Fred VanVleet and Dorian Finney-Smith due to injuries. Tari Eason is questionable for the game. The Rockets will rely on their depth and teamwork to secure another win.
Final Betting Pick
The Rockets are favored by -9.5 points, and this spread seems reasonable. Houston has a strong record of 16-7, while the Pelicans are struggling at 5-22. The Rockets’ defense ranks high, allowing only 111.2 points per game, which is the third-best in the league. This could make scoring difficult for New Orleans, who already ranks 23rd in points per game.
The over/under is set at 234.5 points, and betting on the over looks promising. The Rockets score 120.8 points per game, ranking fourth in the league. Meanwhile, the Pelicans allow 122.8 points per game, which is near the bottom. This combination suggests that both teams could score a lot, making the over a solid choice.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* 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.
Last updated:December 18, 2025 Pelicans, Rockets