New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Prediction | 01.18.26
New Orleans Pelicans
Houston Rockets
Game Spread
Total Points
Tale of the Tape
Detailed Analysis
New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 18-01-2026
As the NBA regular season progresses, a compelling matchup looms on January 18, 2026, when the struggling New Orleans Pelicans (10-34) travel to the Toyota Center in Houston to face the formidable Houston Rockets (24-15) at 7:00 PM. This clash presents a stark contrast in team trajectories, with the Rockets aiming to solidify their playoff positioning against a Pelicans squad desperate for a turnaround.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Matchup Preview
New Orleans Pelicans Key Stats & Trends
The New Orleans Pelicans have endured a challenging season, reflected in their disappointing 10-34 record. Despite the team’s struggles, individual brilliance has shone through. Zion Williamson leads the scoring charge with an impressive 22.6 points per game, showcasing his offensive prowess. Rookie big man Derik Queen has been a revelation, pacing the team in both rebounds (7.6 RPG) and assists (4.3 APG), indicating a versatile skill set for his position. Furthermore, Trey Murphy III has delivered a strong all-around performance, averaging 22.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 0.2 BPG, underscoring his importance on both ends of the floor. However, even these individual efforts haven’t translated into consistent team success, with defensive lapses and inconsistent shooting plaguing their campaign.
Injury Report New Orleans Pelicans
- Herbert Jones (Out): Jones (ankle) is out for Sunday’s game against the Rockets.
- Jose Alvarado (Out): Alvarado (oblique) is expected to miss about two more weeks.
- Dejounte Murray (Out): Pelicans head coach James Borrego said Sunday that Murray (Achilles) is “making a lot of progress” but doesn’t appear to be close to making his season debut. “We hope to get him back in our building here soon. He’s doing a lot of work getting ready to get back here,” Borrego said of Murray. “I say in the next month we’ll have a little bit more clarity on where he’s at. But he’s made a lot of progress. Significant progress.”
Houston Rockets Key Stats & Trends
The Houston Rockets have been a force this season, boasting a strong 24-15 record, fueled by a blend of veteran leadership and burgeoning young talent. Future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant continues to defy age, leading the team with an elite 26.3 points per game. His overall impact is further highlighted by his rating of 26.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, and 1.0 BPG. Complementing Durant’s scoring, Alperen Sengun has emerged as a dominant force in the paint and a primary playmaker, leading the Rockets with 9.2 rebounds per game and an impressive 6.4 assists per game, showcasing his unique offensive versatility. Their disciplined play and efficient offense have been key to their success, particularly at home.
Injury Report Houston Rockets
- Tari Eason (Out): Eason (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against New Orleans.
- Fred VanVleet (Out): VanVleet suffered a torn ACL and may be out for the entire 2025-26 campaign.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Prediction & Best Bet
Given the stark contrast in team performance and current roster health, the Houston Rockets are heavily favored to secure a dominant victory. The Pelicans are severely depleted, missing key defensive anchors in Herbert Jones and Jose Alvarado, along with their primary playmaker Dejounte Murray. This leaves their defense vulnerable and places immense pressure on Williamson and Murphy III. The Rockets, despite missing VanVleet, possess ample offensive firepower with Kevin Durant’s 26.3 PPG and Alperen Sengun’s 9.2 RPG and 6.4 APG, which will exploit New Orleans’ weakened lineup. Houston’s strong home record and the Pelicans’ road struggles further solidify this pick. Expect the Rockets to control the tempo and score efficiently against a compromised Pelicans defense. The total points line of 229.5 also looks attainable, with Houston’s potent offense and New Orleans’ likely inability to stop them, pushing the score higher. We predict a comfortable win for the home team.
Prediction: Houston Rockets -12.5 (Spread)
Total Points: Over 229.5
Last 5 Games: NO
| Opponent | Result | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| @ Indiana | L 127-119 | Williamson 27 | Queen 12 | Williamson 7 |
| vs Brooklyn | W 116-113 | Murphy III 34 | Missi 12 | Murphy III 5 |
| vs Denver | L 122-116 | Murphy III 31 | Queen 13 | Queen 5 |
| @ Orlando | L 128-118 | Williamson 22 | Murphy III 7 | Murphy III 6 |
| @ Washington | W 128-107 | Murphy III 35 | Queen 16 | Queen 12 |
Last 5 Games: HOU
| Opponent | Result | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs Minnesota | W 110-105 | Durant 39 | Sengun 14 | Durant 7 |
| vs Oklahoma City | L 111-91 | Durant 19 | Sengun 13 | Sengun 5 |
| vs Chicago | W 119-113 | Durant 28 | Durant 10 | Sengun 11 |
| @ Sacramento | L 111-98 | Thompson 31 | Thompson 13 | Thompson 6 |
| @ Portland | L 111-105 | Durant 30 | Durant 12 | Durant 4 |
Written by Matt Dorsey
Matt Dorsey turned his obsession with sports into a career five years ago, and he hasn't looked back. By combining a fan's passion with a veteran’s analytical eye, Matt provides reliable insights for the NBA, NHL, and NFL. He knows you’re looking for more than just a pick; you’re looking for a reason to trust the play. That’s why his work is always transparent, researched, and rooted in five years of proven results.
