New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 01/18/26

The Houston Rockets will travel Sunday night to take on the New Orleans Pelicans in a Western Conference matchup. The Rockets boast a record of 24-15 and they are 13-3 on their home court. Houston has won 2 of of its last 3 games and will be looking to make it 2 straight wins after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday 110-105. Kevin Durant led the Rockets in scoring with 39 points, and Alperen Sengun added 25 points and 14 rebounds in the win. The Pelicans have a record of 10-34, and they are 3-16 when playing on the road this season. New Orleans has lost 3 of its last 4 games, including a 127-119 loss against the Indiana Pacers on Friday.

The Rockets’ energy level has been inconsistent in the month of January. Since the turn of the new year, the Rockets have a record of 3-5 and they have lost to teams with losing records such as the Trail Blazers (twice), Kings and Mavericks. The Rockets found an extra level of effort against the Timberwolves in their last game on both ends of the floor. They shot 43% from 3-point range — mainly behind a combined 10-for-14 from Kevin Durant and Reed Shepherd — and they locked in defensively after giving up 34 first-quarter points. I expect the defense to relax against the 10-win Pelicans, but they are set up to have another big shooting night. New Orleans ranks 28th in the NBA in defensive rating and is coming off a loss in which it allowed 66 points in the paint. The Pelicans’ offense is no pushover, especially with Zion Williamson playing. They shot 50% from the field and 42% from 3 against the Pacers. With a continued question of defensive effort surrounding Houston, I like the over in tonight’s matchup.

Pelicans vs Rockets prediction: Over 230.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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