New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Predictions, Odds, Bets & Stats – 03/06/2025

On Thursday, 03/06, the New Orleans Pelicans (17-45) will host the Houston Rockets (37-25) in a Western Conference Regular-Season match-up. The Pelicans have nosedived to the 14th spot, whereas the Rockets have slipped to the fifth position. Will the Rockets finally acquire some momentum against a struggling squad? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.

Where to Watch New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets

Time: 7:00 PM (ET)
Venue: Smoothie King Center (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Match Preview

Pelicans: No light at the end of the tunnel

The New Orleans Pelicans will enter the match after a 21-point loss against the Los Angeles Lakers despite a 37-point outburst by their leader, Zion Williamson. It was their second loss in three games, but the Pels have enjoyed an unlikely 5-3 stretch since mid-February. Williamson has been available during this stretch, which has helped their offense. However, overall, their future prospects look bleak. While the Pels’ ace has looked the fittest, will it be wise to build around him? Will the Pels blow up again and rebuild? It will be a huge blow as the team continues to struggle despite drafting talents like Anthony Davis and Williamson.

Expected Starting Lineup

PG/SG: CJ McCollum | SG: Trey Murphy III | SF: Zion Williamson | PF: Kelly Olynyk | C: Yves Missi

Key Injuries/Updates: Dejounte Murray and Herbert Jones are OUT for the season. Brandon Boston may be OUT too.

Rockets: Their slump has stretched too far

The Rockets enter the affair after a 13-point loss against the Indiana Pacers despite a 25-point performance by Alperen Sengun. It was their third straight loss and they are 5-11 since late January, as a result, they have slipped from 2nd to 5th position in the West. During that period, they have scored around 109 points a game and have been among the bottom-ten offenses in the league. Their defense has been decent, as they have given up 113 a game, but they need to fix their woes or they risk losing an automatic playoffs qualification spot at this rate.

Expected Starting Lineup

SG: Jalen Green | SG: Dillon Brooks | SF: Amen Thompson | PF: Jabari Smith Jr. | C: Alperen Sengun

Key Injuries/Updates: Fred Van Vleet is OUT.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Total Over/Under Prediction

The Rockets’ offense has been highly inconsistent these days, as they have gone under 105 points repeatedly. However, the Pels’ defense usually allows around over 115 points so they will have easy scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have been doing well offensively, going past the 110-point mark regularly. I believe both teams will touch at least the 112-point mark here.

Projected Predictions:

Total Over 231.5 for +105 at BetMGM
Pelicans: Points Over 114.5 for +110 at BetMGM
Rockets: Points Over 118.5 for +100 at BetMGM

New Orleans Pelicans Player Props Predictions- Projected Top Bets & Odds

Zion Williamson to score over 25.5 points: The Pelicans ace has maintained an average of 24.8 PPG since January. He has scored 28 or more in six of the last ten games. I expect him to be in a 26-29 points range.

Trey Murphy III to dish over 5.5 assists: The Pelicans’ guard has grown as a playmaker in the absence of a genuine point guard. He has over 5.5 assists per game since January, I expect him to do the same here.

Houston Rockets Player Props Predictions – Projected Top Bets & Odds

Alperen Sengun to score over 26.5 points: The Rockets center has amassed 24 or more points in four of the last five games. I expect him to be in a 26-31 points range here.

Jabari Smith Jr. to grab over 8.5 rebounds: The Rockets PF has clasped over 8 rebounds per game in the last five games. I expect him to have 9-10 rebounds in this game.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Match Prediction

The Pelicans have cut a sorry figure for most of the season, but their recent form has been decent. Meanwhile, the Rockets have lost the plot, too. However, I expect Sengun to have a big game here and their defense to dial in the final quarter. I believe they will win by 6-9 points here.

Safe Spread Pick: Rockets -6.5 at BetMGM

Photo Credit: Stephen Lew- BETMGM

Shubham Singh

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Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!