The Houston Rockets (third in the West) return home Friday night to host the New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center, looking to rebound from back‑to‑back blowout losses. Houston surrendered 145 points to the Spurs and then fell by 36 to Denver, raising questions about their defensive consistency and offensive reliability.
Kevin Durant, the Rockets’ leading scorer, has faced increased defensive attention, and his teammates have struggled to capitalize on open looks. The Rockets’ turnover issues and rebounding decline since Steven Adams’ injury have further complicated matters.
New Orleans, meanwhile, has been trending upward, winning seven of their last ten and riding the return of Dejounte Murray, who has provided scoring and leadership. The Pelicans beat Toronto 122‑111 on Wednesday, improving to 7‑4 since the All‑Star break.
Oddsmakers have Houston favored by seven points, with the total set at 228.5. This matchup is a test of whether Houston can stabilize at home or if New Orleans’ momentum will carry them to another road win.
Best Bet: Pelicans +7 (-110) at BetMGM Sportsbook
Houston’s recent form makes them difficult to trust as a favorite. The Rockets have lost two straight by wide margins and are just 2‑5 ATS in their last seven games. Their offense has been erratic, ranking 11th overall but plagued by turnovers and poor shooting.
Against Denver, they missed 29 of 33 three‑pointers and shot just 36% from the field. New Orleans, conversely, has covered in eight of their last ten and is 12‑2 ATS against Western Conference opponents. Dejounte Murray’s return has given the Pelicans a steady hand, and their balanced scoring attack has kept them competitive.
Houston’s defense ranks seventh in efficiency but has regressed, allowing 129 points to Denver and 145 to San Antonio. With Alperen Sengun questionable and Adams out, their rebounding edge is diminished. The Pelicans’ recent form, combined with Houston’s volatility, makes New Orleans +7 the sharper play.
This safer parlay leans on the stars to hit their averages while banking on the under, which ties in with Houston’s shooting struggles and New Orleans’ defensive resilience.
The longshot parlay hinges on Ingram stepping up from deep, Durant being held in check, and New Orleans pulling off the upset. Given Houston’s recent struggles, this scenario is plausible.
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelicans | +7 (-110) | +230 | O 228.5 (-110) |
| Rockets | -7 (-110) | -285 | U 228.5 (-110) |
Odds updated: March 13, 2026 – 12:00 p.m. ET. Lines may move throughout the day.
| Team | Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelicans | Trey Alexander | G League | Out |
| Pelicans | Hunter Dickinson | G League | Out |
| Pelicans | Bryce McGowens | Toe | Out |
| Pelicans | Josh Oduro | G League | Out |
| Rockets | Steven Adams | Ankle | Out |
| Rockets | Jae’Sean Tate | Knee | Out |
| Rockets | Fred VanVleet | ACL | Out |
| Rockets | Alperen Sengun | Back | Questionable |
The game tips off at 7:00 p.m. CT on Friday, March 13.
The matchup will be held at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
The game will be broadcast on the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network, with streaming available via Pelicans+ and radio coverage on WWL 870 AM.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, March 13, 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 p.m. CT |
| Arena | Toyota Center, Houston, TX |
| TV/Streaming | Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network / Pelicans+ / WWL 870 AM |
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