The Houston Rockets will be up against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday at Toyota Center in Houston. The hosts, Rockets, are seeded fifth in the West with a 24-15 win-loss record, and will enter the matchup on the back of a victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Pelicans, on the other hand, are at the bottom of the deck with a poor 10-34 record, and they will enter Sunday’s game on the back of a loss.
Books have the Rockets favorites with a margin of 13 points to defeat the Pelicans, with moneyline at -670 and total around 230.5 points. These NBA odds tonight suggest that the Rockets are highly likely to dominate their home court to record their second-straight win. We have got our Best Bet, a same-game parlay and a few player props for Rockets vs Pelicans on Sunday.
Here’s how we are betting the Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans.
Best Bet for Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans
Our best bet for Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans is Rockets -13 (-110) against the spread.
The Houston Rockets, seeded in the middle of the Western Conference standings, are in solid form at home. They have been scoring 117.1 points per game, while restricting their rivals to just 110.7 points. The Rockets maintain an offensive rating of 119.0, and a defensive rating of 112.6. This suggests that the Kevin Durant-led side maintains balance and has been dominating at both ends of the court.
On the contrary, the Pelicans are seeded towards the bottom of the standings both offensively and defensively.
The spread at Rockets -13 fits Houston’s overall form, solid grip at the home court as well as the Pelicans’ poor form. The Rockets cover comfortably in such spots.
Considering their home court advantage, elite offense and defense, we are laying Houston Rockets -13 (-110) as our NBA Best Bet of the day.
Same-Game Parlay Picks for Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans
We have built this same-game parlay around the Houston Rockets to win seamlessly at home. Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun lead their offense, and we can expect them to exploit the Pelicans’ weak defense. Durant and Sengun are likely to come up with big scores and take their side to an easy win.
These picks are correlated, considering that if the Rockets gain control of the ball right from the beginning, Durant, Sengun and other players would get more opportunities to score and fill the stats-sheet. Hence, this is our safer SGP option.
Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Odds and Top Player Props
Given below are the latest Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans odds from top sportsbooks. Shop around for the best NBA odds before locking in your bets.
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Top Player Props for Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans
Considering how prop-heavy NBA betting is, we are also eyeing these player props for Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.
These picks fit well into usage and volume. Amen Thompson gets time on court, and he would want to make most of his familiarity with the court as well as the rivals’ defensive struggles. On the other hand, Williamson and Murphy III would want to put in their best show to keep the Pelicans in the game.
Trends to Know for Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans
Here are a few betting trends to keep in mind for the Rockets vs Pelicans on Sunday.
The New Orleans Pelicans are 8-11-0 ATS on road this season.
The Houston Rockets are 19-20-0 ATS this season.
Over has hit the Rockets in 20 of their 39 games thus far.
Latest Injuries and NBA Injury Report for Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans
Before betting this game, it’s important to check the NBA injury report, as late scratches and minutes limits can swing spreads and totals in a hurry.
Team
Player
Injury
Status
Houston Rockets
Tari Eason
Ankle
Questionable
Houston Rockets
Fred VanVleet
Knee
Out
New Orleans Pelicans
Herbert Jones
Ankle
Out
New Orleans Pelicans
Jose Alvarado
Oblique
Out
New Orleans Pelicans
Dejounte Murray
Achilles
Out
In the NBA, late injury news and minutes restrictions have a huge impact on spreads and totals, so re-check the injury report and final inactives about an hour before tip-off.
What time is Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans tonight?
The Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans is scheduled to tip off at 7 pm ET on Sunday.
Where will Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans be played?
The Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans will be played at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Where can I watch Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans on TV and live stream?
You can watch Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans on SCHN, Gulf Coast Sports, and Pelicans+.
Detail
Information
Date
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Time
7 pm ET
Venue
Toyota Center in Houston, Texas
TV and live stream
SCHN, Gulf Coast Sports, and Pelicans+ / NBA League Pass and Fubo
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Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.
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