Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction & Picks - NBA
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by Carlos Zabala in NBA Picks
On Friday, the Rockets allowed 34 points in the first quarter against the Timberwolves, but the defense regrouped, played with tenacity, and didn't allow more than 30 points in the following quarters, contributing to the eventual 110-105 victory. On Sunday, again in the fourth game of a six-game homestand at the Toyota Center, Houston hosts the Pelicans, who are last in the Western Conference.
Just as he was against the Bulls on January 13, Kevin Durant was the difference-maker against Minnesota in the final five minutes. The superstar contributed with epic dunks, and he and Sheppard combined to shoot 10-for-14 and sink three three-pointers. The Rockets have overcome their recent low three-point percentage by employing solid defense and increasing their offensive intensity when necessary.
That same day, the Pelicans would lose to the Pacers, 119-127. Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 27 points and shot 10-for-12 from the field. Also in the loss, Murphy scored 22 and Saddiq Bey added 20.
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Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Form
Table
| Teams | % | P | W | L | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7
|
0.625 | 40 | 25 | 15 | 2 |
|
30
|
0.222 | 45 | 10 | 35 |
Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans Latest Matches
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1/6 (17%)
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Houston Rockets against New Orleans Pelicans : Head to Head (H2H)
83 %
17 %
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Players list
A. Thompson
ForwardJ. Smith
K. Durant
J. Fears
ForwardT. Murphy III
Z. Williamson
S. Bey
Substitutes
J. Davison
R. Sheppard
A. Holiday
J. Okogie
ForwardJ. Green
D. Finney-Smith
J. Tate
M. Peavy
J. Hawkins
J. Poole
ForwardK. Looney
Houston Rockets - New Orleans Pelicans Key Points
- The Pelicans' road record is 3-16 this season
- The Rockets lead the NBA in rebounds per game this season with 49.4
- The Rockets' offensive rating is third-best in the NBA at 121.4
- Kevin Durant is averaging 25.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game for Houston this season
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Our Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction
Sheppard himself has acknowledged that the Rockets' offense isn't clicking, even in wins, but said he's confident they'll turn things around soon.
What doesn't seem to be turning around is the Pelicans' recent losing streak. This season New Orleans has already had more than three streaks of six or more consecutive losses, and in their last 14 games they only won two, which were victories against rivals with negative records such as Wizards and Nets.
Our prediction for Rockets vs Pelicans is: Rockets -12.5.
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