Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Predictions, Odds, Bets & Stats – 03/08/2025

On Saturday, 03/08, the Houston Rockets (38-25) will host the New Orleans Pelicans (17-46) in a Western Conference Regular-Season match-up. The Rockets are stationed at the fifth spot in the conference, whereas the Pelicans have sunk to the 14th position. Will the Rockets get back-to-back wins against the down-in-dumps squad? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.

Where to Watch Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans

Time: 7:00 PM (CT)
Venue: Toyota Center (Houston, Texas)
Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass.

Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Preview

Rockets: Need a strong winning period

The Houston Rockets will enter the match-up after a 12-point win against the Pelicans, as Alperen Sengun put up 22 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. This victory helped break a three-game losing streak, and the Rockets need a huge boost after holding a sub-par 6-11 record since late January. Their offense hasn’t been at its best as they have regularly scored under 105, often a result of not having their Floor General Fred Van Vleet in the lineup. However, the Rockets have a strong defense and elite rebounding(1st with 48.1 RPG and 14.6 Offensive RPG). Thus, some fixes to the offense can help them go a long way ahead.

Expected Starting Lineup

SG: Jalen Green | SG/SF: Dillon Brooks | SF/PF: Amen Thompson | SF/PF: Tari Eason | C: Alperen Sengun

Key Injuries/Updates: Fred Van Vleet is likely to be OUT.

Pelicans: An uncertain future

The Pelicans come into this affair after a 12-point loss against the Rockets, despite a 26-point performance by Trey Murphy III. It was their third loss in four games, and they are back to their losing ways after a decent 4-1 period. Zion Williamson has been brilliant and has looked fitter than ever, while Murphy III has become an incredible shooter. However, overall, the franchise needs to mull over whether they want to build around Williamson or take another painful rebuild.

Expected Starting Lineup

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

Key Injuries/Updates: Herbert Jones and Dejounte Murray are OUT of the season. Brandon Boston is likely to be OUT.

Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Total Over/Under Prediction

The Rockets’ offense has been inconsistent, and they have repeatedly struggled to get past the 110-mark, especially since the absence of Fred Van Vleet. Meanwhile, they have conceded usually around 106 points a game, while the Pels’ offense has improved because of Williamson’s extended availability. The last game between these two teams yielded 204 points, which was against the bookmakers’ expectations of the equal odds being around 227-232 points. However, I believe he score will be around the same mark. The bookmakers also have similar expectations from the score here. Let us see if the overall total goes against the odds agian.

Projected Predictions:

Total: Over 230.5 for +100 at BetMGM
Pelicans: Points Over 111.5 for +105 at BetMGM

Houston Rockets Player Props Predictions- Projected Top Bets & Odds

Jalen Green to score over 23.5 points: The isolation expert has garnered 18 or fewer points in three straight games. I believe he will break free in this game and be in the 24-26 points range..

Amen Thompson to clasp over 9.5 rebounds: The incredible hustle forward has hoarded 11-12 rebounds in three straight games. I expect him to continue on similar lines.

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

Zion Williamson to score over 25.5 points: The athletic forward scored just 20 points on a sub-par 33.3% field goal shooting clip during the last battle against Houston. However, I expect him to recover and notch 26-28 points.

Trey Murphy III to score over 23.5 points: The Pelicans sharpshooter ended up with 26 points in the last game. I believe he will keep his hot shooting going here and be in the 24-27 points range.

Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Prediction

The Rockets took care of business against the Pelicans pretty handsomely during the last meeting. It wasn’t surprising, but Houston’s defense does instill more confidence. Overall, I expect a much better effort from Williamson and Co., but I see the Rockets still notching a win by at least 10 points.

Safe Spread Pick: Rockets -10.5 for +115 at BetMGM

Photo Credit: Stephen Lew- Imagn Images

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!