The New Orleans Pelicans (20-29) and the Houston Rockets (30-18), who both like to play fast, will square off at Toyota Center. The game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 2, 2020.
New Orleans Pelicans at Houston Rockets Betting Prediction
In the Pelicans’ last matchup, they blew out the Memphis Grizzlies, 139-111, as 8.5-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (250) finished well over the O/U total of 232. The Pelicans, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.4, had a ridiculous mark of 41.0 and had a free throw rate of 0.232 (above their season average of 0.181). Jrue Holiday played a key role for New Orleans with 18 points and six assists.
The Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks in their last outing, 128-121, despite being 5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (249) came in over the O/U total of 243. Houston’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Dallas. The Rockets had a rate of 5.3 (better than their season average of 12.5), while the Mavericks posted a mark of 14.3 (above their season average of 10.7). James Harden was the game’s top scorer with 35 points on 10-for-25 shooting from the field.
The Rockets lead the season series against the Pelicans two games to one, but fell short the last time these two teams met, 127-112. Houston covered as a 5-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 239 points, which was 16 points above the projected point total of 223 points. The Pelicans’ 7.7 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Rockets, who had a mark of 15.9. Lonzo Ball put up a triple-double in the victory, with 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Houston could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their high-powered offense faces off against one of the league’s worst defenses. The Rockets currently rank third in offensive efficiency, while New Orleans ranks 22nd in defensive efficiency.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets Free Pick
Free NBA Pick: ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
New Orleans is 11-10-3 ATS on the road with 14 overs and 10 unders.
Houston is 11-11 ATS at home with 11 overs and 11 unders.
When allowing less than 100 points, Houston and New Orleans are both 3-0.
In games where they score over 100 points, the Rockets are 30-16 and the Pelicans are 20-26.
New Orleans ranks fifth in fast break points per game (16.3) while Houston ranks 28th in fast break points allowed per game (15.5).
The Pelicans rank fifth in three pointers attempted per game (38.1) while the Rockets rank 27th in three pointers allowed per game (35.7).
Houston ranks eighth in points off turnovers per game (17.9) while New Orleans ranks 28th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.7).
The Pelicans rank eighth in assists per game (25.8) while the Rockets rank 28th (21.5).
New Orleans ranks eighth in rebounds per game (46.0) while Houston ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (46.4).
The Rockets average 8.0 steals per game, which ranks 12th in the league. The Pelicans rank 26th in steals allowed per game (8.3).
New Orleans ranks ninth in second chance points per game (13.7) while Houston ranks 23rd in second chance points allowed per game (13.7).
The Rockets rank 18th in points in the paint per game (47.6) while the Pelicans rank 28th in points allowed in the paint per game (52.7).
New Orleans averages 5.2 blocks per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. Houston ranks 16th in blocks allowed per game (5.0).
In its last five outings, New Orleans is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Houston is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Pelicans have outscored opponents by an average of 9.2 points in their last five games. On the season, New Orleans has been defeated by an average of 1.9 points.
During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 121.4 points per game (2.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 120.8 points per game (6.1 above their season average).
