Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Pelicans Free Prediction 12/29/19

Posts AdminArticles, Basketball, NBA

The Houston Rockets (22-10) will be at the Smoothie King Center to square off with the New Orleans Pelicans (10-23) in a Southwest Division matchup. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 29, 2019, and will air on ATTSN Southwest.

Houston Rockets at New Orleans Pelicans Betting Odds

Both teams covered in their last contest. The Pelicans (9-point favorites) defeated the Indiana Pacers 120-98, while the Rockets (11-point underdog) beat the Brooklyn Nets 108-98. The New Orleans game went 2 points over the projected point total of 216, while the Houston game finished 24 points under the projected point total of 230.

Houston played a nearly flawless game. They had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 29.6 (above their season average of 23.9) and a turnover percentage of 11.5 (better than their season average of 12.4). Brooklyn recorded marks of 19.1 and 12.9, respectively, for those same stats. The Pelicans, meanwhile, forced 18 turnovers and held the Pacers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.424 (below their season average of 0.526). Brandon Ingram put together a solid game for New Orleans with 24 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Houston rallied around James Harden, who contributed 44 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.

In their two contests this season, the Rockets have won both. In their most recent game, the two teams combined for 238 points, which was under the projected point total of 246.5. Houston won 122-116, covering as a 5.5-point favorite. One of Houston’s largest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They had 32 free throw attempts, while New Orleans had 27. Harden scored a game-high 39 points.

Vegas tends to set the total high when the Rockets are involved, as 18 of their 31 games have finished under the projected point total. Houston heads into the game with records of 22-10 straight up (SU) and 16-15 against the spread (ATS).

Pelicans games also tend to go under the total (56.3 percent). Moreover, New Orleans is 10-23 SU and 11-19-2 ATS.

The prolific offense of Houston will face off against the porous defense of New Orleans. The Rockets currently rank third in offensive efficiency, while the Pelicans are 22nd in defensive efficiency. The Rockets should have the advantage on that side of the ball.

Rockets vs. Pelicans Betting Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Rockets average 46.4 points in the paint per game, which ranks 19th in the league. The Pelicans rank 26th in points allowed in the paint per game (51.0).
  • New Orleans ranks fifth in fast break points per game (15.8) while Houston ranks 28th in fast break points allowed per game (16.2).
  • The Rockets average 47.5 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the league. The Pelicans rank 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (46.4).
  • Houston averages 14.1 second chance points per game, which ranks eighth in the league. New Orleans ranks 24th in second chance points allowed per game (14.3).
  • Houston averages 8.4 steals per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. New Orleans ranks 16th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
  • The Pelicans average 38.6 three pointers per game, which ranks fifth in the league. The Rockets rank 27th in three pointers allowed per game (36.0).
  • The Pelicans average 24.6 assists per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA. The Rockets rank 28th in assists allowed per game (25.8).
  • Houston averages 18.8 points off turnovers per game, which ranks fifth in the league. New Orleans ranks 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.8).
  • New Orleans and Houston are both 3-0 when they hold opponents below 100 points.
  • The Rockets are 22-9 when they score more than 100 points, while the Pelicans are 10-20.
  • Houston is 10-7 ATS on the road, while New Orleans is 5-10 ATS at home.
  • The total has gone under in 11 of the Rockets’ 17 road games, while 9 of the Pelicans’ 15 home games have gone under.

Bettings Trends:

  • In their last five games, Houston and New Orleans are both 3-2 ATS.
  • The Rockets have 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games, while the Pelicans have 5 unders
  • The Rockets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.2, down from 5.4 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Pelicans have scored an average of 108.6 points per game (3.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 99.4 points per game (17.2 below their season average).