Free Pick: Pelicans vs. Rockets Odds
Looking for New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets Free NBA predictions? NBA betting sees the Pelicans taking on the Rockets on 1/18 at the Toyota Center in Houston. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA predictions like this Pelicans Rockets free pick.
2026 NBA Handicapping – New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets
(10-34) New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets (24-15)
Date: Jan 18, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
NBA Moneyline Odds: Pelicans +152 | Rockets -175 (Bet Now!)
Today’s NBA Point Spread Betting Odds: Pelicans +13.5 | Rockets -13.5
NBA Basketball Gambling Total: O/U: 230.5
Here’s why I’m backing the underdog Pelicans as outlined in my Pelicans Rockets free pick & gambling prediction for this matchup.
- Live Betting Odds for today’s Pelicans vs. Rockets game!
- Want more basketball predictions like this Pelicans Rockets play? Check out our free NBA AI Picks for today!
- View our Updated Sportsbook Bonuses for today!
Pelicans vs. Rockets Gameday
Sunday, the NBA serves up a six-game slate, including the New Orleans Pelicans versus the Houston Rockets.
Both teams last played on Friday. New Orleans lost 119-127 to the Indiana Pacers. Six Pelicans scored in double figures, including all five starters. Zion Williamson (who is back in the starting lineup) led the way with 27 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.
Houston outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-105 in a highly competitive match, although Anthony Edwards did not play. Just four Rockets scored in double digits, led by Kevin Durant with 39 points. Alperen Sengun collected a double-double with 25 points and 14 rebounds.
We want to hear from you below! Comments are welcome! Give us your picks for this New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets NBA matchup.
Expert NBA Hoops Picks
Looking for an edge on tonight’s NBA board? Check out the featured premium plays from CappersPicks handicappers, with point spreads, moneylines, totals, and more from around the league.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets Odds & Last 5
Last year, the teams played four times, and the Rockets swept that series 4-0. This season, the teams have met once so far, with the Pelicans pulling out the victory in overtime.
New Orleans theoretically should be better than they are bu,t they reside in the basement of the West with a 10-34 record. Their 34 losses top the association as they battle the Pacers for who is the most challenged.
As noted in the prior preview, Houston is glad to be back in the warm confines of the Toyota Center after losing four of five on the road. They fell down the ladder during the road trip and enter this match in the having climbed up to the fifth seed with a record of 24-15.
Houston is favored by 13.5 points with an over/under of 230.5 points.
Pelicans Stats
New Orleans ranks 25th (112.2) on offense and 28th on defense (119.2). Additionally, the Pelicans hold the 26th-ranked net rating (-7.0) and also run the ninth-quickest pace (101.59).
The West’s 14-place Pelicans average 115.0 points per game while their opponents average 122.3 points. In terms of dimes and boards, New Orleans averages 24.8 (25th) and 43.4 (20th), respectively.
New Orleans’ team leaders* are Zion Williamson for scoring (22.6), Derik Queen for assists (4.3) and rebounds (7.6), Herb Jones for steals (1.7), and Yves Missi for blocks (1.3).
As for the perimeter, there are four Pelicans who shoot between 36.1% and 45.3% while the team averages 34.3% from deep.
*minimum 10 games
YOU CAN CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT OUR TOP NBA CAPPERS! (All Under 1 Roof)
Rockets Stats
With 39 games in the pocket, Houston ranks fourth overall (119.0) on offense and eighth on defense (112.6). Additionally, the Rockets hold the fourth-ranked net rating (+6.4) and run the 28th slowest pace (96.76).
The West’s sixth seed averages 117.1 points per game, while its opponents average 110.7 points. In terms of dimes and boards, Houston averages 24.7 (26th) and 49.2 (1st), respectively.
Team leaders are Kevin Durant for scoring (26.3), Alperen Sengun for assists (6.4), rebounds (9.2), steals (1.4), and blocks (1.0).
Perimeter shooting is a major advantage for Houston, which shoots the deep ball at an average of 37.0%. Six different players average over 37.6%, with three shooting above 40%.
*Minimum 10 games played
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets bottom line:
No team is as home – away centric as the Rockets, who struggled mightily on their recent road trip, slipping all the way down to seventh. However, upon returning home, they are winning again and have climbed back up to the fifth see,d just a game out of fourth.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets Basketball Betting Trends
- New Orleans is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Orleans’ last 9 games.
- New Orleans is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games.
- Also, Houston is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Houston’s last 9 games.
- Additionally, Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Pelicans Rockets Free Pick: Rockets -4.5
Here is my Pelicans Rockets free pick. Houston’s length will be a problem for the Pelicans as well as their perimeter shooting.
Houston should have this one handily, given how poorly the Pelicans are playing. New Orleans has just three wins on the road this season versus the Rockets, who’ve only lost three times on their home court.
It will be interesting to see which player gets the nod in Houston for the All-Star Game because each of Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun are having big seasons. It’s unlikely both get the nod especially since they’ve slipped down the ladder.
Still, the spread is rich, and we all know how averse I am to big spreads, so take the points and the Pelicans to keep it closer than 13.5 points.
Today’s NBA Free Pick
Best Sportsbooks For New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets NBA Gambling Today!
- 50% Reload Bonuses
- Daily Player Promos
- Live Dealer Casino
- Crypto Deposit Bonuses
- Same-Game Parlays
- Sports + Casino + Poker
- Same-Game Parlays
- Overnight Lines
- Progressive Jackpots
- Reduced-Juice Lines
- 7% Racebook Rebate
- 100% Crypto Bonus
- VIP Cash Rewards
- Live Betting & Props
- High Betting Limits
NBA Betting Tweet Of The Day
All in all, if you’re looking for more NBA picks like New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets matchup, we’ll be providing 4* free NBA plays on the blog all season long. In fact, you can check out our NBA experts for guaranteed premium & free NBA basketball picks!
What’s more, register here for a FREE NBA Betting Account Now for daily free picks & more special offers! Lastly, what do you think, are you tailing this Pelicans Rockets free pick?
