New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Prediction, Preview, & Odds – 12/19/2024

• Date: December 19, 2024
• Venue: Toyota Center

Betting Odds

New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Win Probabilities

Implied Win % in sports betting represent the probability of an outcome as suggested by the betting odds. It's a way for bettors to gauge the likelihood of an event occurring based on the odds offered by sportsbooks.

Projected Win %, also known as projected win probability, is an estimate by ATS.io to determine the likelihood that a team will win a game or event. This projection is often based on various factors such as team performance, statistics, and historical data.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Betting Preview

The New Orleans Pelicans, with a challenging 5-22 record, face off against the Houston Rockets, who boast a solid 17-9 record, at the Toyota Center. This Thursday night matchup, starting at 8:00 PM ET, pits two divisional rivals against each other, adding an extra layer of intensity to the contest.

The Rockets are heavily favored to win, with a spread of -9.5 and a moneyline of -460, translating to an implied win probability of 79%. In contrast, the Pelicans have a moneyline of +370, giving them a 21% implied chance of victory. Houston has been playing well, winning 17 of their last 25 games, and they enter this game as a big favorite at home. Meanwhile, New Orleans has struggled on the road, losing 13 consecutive away games, which doesn't bode well for their chances.

Both teams have had ample rest, with the Pelicans last playing four days ago and the Rockets five days ago. This break could be advantageous for both squads, allowing players to recover and prepare for this critical divisional clash.

In their previous outings, the Pelicans were defeated by the Indiana Pacers 119-104, while the Rockets fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-96. Despite these losses, the Rockets' recent form suggests they are more likely to bounce back.

For those interested in player props, Amen Thompson's Points, Rebounds, and Assists market has garnered significant attention. The line opened at Over 21.5 (-115) and has since moved to 25.5 (-115), indicating sharp money backing the Over.

As the Pelicans and Rockets prepare to renew their rivalry, the odds and recent performances suggest Houston holds the upper hand. However, in the unpredictable world of basketball, anything can happen on game night.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Prediction

Final Score: New Orleans Pelicans 101.69 vs Houston Rockets 119.56

For more on today's game check out the comprehensive statistics, betting odds, and trends below. Be sure to check out all our free NBA picks here.