New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 22/02/2024, 07:20  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 22/02/2024 at 12:00 in NBA Prediction

The New Orleans Pelicans play host to the Houston Rockets at the Smoothie King Center in the NBA on Thursday night. The hosts are 33-22 and sixth in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 24-30 and 12th in the Conference standings. 

The Houston Rockets have hit a rough patch, losing five of their last six games overall. They will now look to turn things around after a disappointing 121-113 road loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in their last game before the break. Dillon Brooks, Alperen Sengun, and Aaron Holiday each contributed 19 points in the defeat. Houston ranks 22nd in the NBA for scoring, averaging 113.3 points per game, 1.1 more than their opponents allow. However, their defense has been a silver lining, ranking 10th overall and fifth in field goal defense. On the road, they have struggled immensely, losing six consecutive games and holding a dismal 5-21 road record this season. Fred VanVleet and Tari Eason are both ruled out for the upcoming match.

Meanwhile, The New Orleans Pelicans have been on a roll, winning seven of their last eight games overall. They are now aiming for their fourth consecutive victory after a hard-fought 133-126 win against the Washington Wizards in their last game before the All-Star break. Zion Williamson led the charge with an impressive 36-point performance, accompanied by six rebounds and eight assists. This marked his sixth straight game Williamson scored 30 or more points. CJ McCollum also made a significant contribution with 26 points and six assists. New Orleans ranks 14th in the NBA for scoring, averaging 116.5 points per game. Defensively, they have been impressive, ranking eighth. They will face the Houston Rockets, who rank ninth in the league in points per game allowed (112.7). Dyson Daniels is out due to injury for the upcoming match.