Rockets vs. Pelicans Prediction, Odds, Picks, Best Bets for Jan. 18

Rockets vs. Pelicans Game Info

• Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Venue: Toyota Center -- Houston, Texas
• Coverage: SCHN, Gulf Coast Sports, and Pelicans+

The Houston Rockets (24-15) host the New Orleans Pelicans (10-34) in a matchup of Southwest Division teams at Toyota Center, tipping off at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The Pelicans are 13-point underdogs in the game, the second matchup between the squads this season. The point total for the matchup is set at 228.5.

Rockets vs. Pelicans Odds & Spread

All NBA betting lines, odds and prop bets are from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Rockets vs. Pelicans Prediction & Pick

All NBA win probability predictions and picks are according to numberFire.
Prediction: Rockets win (86.6%)

Rockets vs. Pelicans Betting Trends

• The Rockets have covered the spread 19 times in 39 games with a set spread.
• The Pelicans have 23 wins against the spread in 44 games this year.
• Games involving the Rockets have hit the over 19 times out of 44 chances this season.
• Pelicans games this year have gone over the point total 54.5% of the time (24 out of 44 games with a set point total).
• Against the spread, Houston has played worse at home, covering seven times in 16 home games, and 12 times in 23 road games.
• In terms of over/unders, the Rockets hit the over less often when playing at home, as they've gone over the total seven times in 16 opportunities this season (43.8%). On the road, they have hit the over 12 times in 23 opportunities (52.2%).
• New Orleans' winning percentage against the spread at home is .600 (15-10-0). On the road, it is .421 (8-11-0).
• In terms of the over/under, Pelicans games have finished over more frequently at home (15 of 25, 60%) than away (nine of 19, 47.4%).

Rockets Leaders

• Kevin Durant is averaging 26.3 points, 5.4 boards and 4.5 assists. At the other end, he averages 0.7 steals and 1 block.
• Amen Thompson is averaging 18.5 points, 5.1 assists and 7.7 boards.
• Alperen Sengun is averaging 21.6 points, 6.4 assists and 9.2 boards.
• Jabari Smith Jr. averages 15 points, 6.9 boards and 1.8 assists, shooting 42.5% from the field and 34.5% from downtown, with 2.1 made 3-pointers per game.
• Reed Sheppard is averaging 12.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

Pelicans Leaders

• Per game, Trey Murphy III gives the Pelicans 22.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists. He also averages 1.6 steals (fifth in league) and 0.3 blocks.
• Per game, Derik Queen gives the Pelicans 12.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists. He also averages 1 steal and 1 block.
• The Pelicans are getting 14.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game from Jeremiah Fears.
• Zion Williamson's numbers on the season are 22.6 points, 5.8 boards and 3.5 assists per game. He is draining 58.7% of his shots from the floor (10th in league).
• The Pelicans are getting 15.2 points, 5.7 boards and 2.2 assists per game from Saddiq Bey.

For more NBA betting insights, check out FanDuel Research's NBA home page.

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