A high-scoring game should be expected when the New Orleans Pelicans (39-29) and the Houston Rockets (54-14) battle at Smoothie King Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 17, 2018, and will air on ATTSN Southwest.
Houston is a 7-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 227 points.
Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Pelicans Free Prediction
In the Rockets’ last contest, they beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 101-96. Converting at the free throw line was one of Houston’s biggest advantages. They were 19-23 (82.6 percent), while the Clippers were just 4-8 (50.0 percent). Houston was lifted by Clint Capela, who contributed 19 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks.
The Pelicans were beaten by the San Antonio Spurs in their last matchup, 98-93. San Antonio’s 8.5 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over New Orleans, who had a rate of 12.6. The Spurs’ mark was better than their season average of 12.2. With 24 points on 9-for-23 shooting, Jrue Holiday led New Orleans in scoring.
It could be a tough game for New Orleans on the offensive glass. The Pelicans currently rank 28th in offensive rebounding percentage (19.9 percent), while Houston ranks third in defensive rebounding percentage (80.4 percent).
Houston comes into the contest with records of 54-14 straight up (SU) and 36-31-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of Rockets games, with 37 unders compared to 30 overs.
Meanwhile, New Orleans is 39-29 SU and 36-32 ATS. Vegas is known to place the total low when the Pelicans are involved, as 61.8 percent of their games have gone over the O/U total.
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Pelicans won the most recent matchup 115-113, covering as 5-point underdogs. The game finished with a total of 228 points, which was just 0.5 points above the projected point total of 227.5 points. New Orleans had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (15.4 vs. 5.3). Houston, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of making free throws (29-35; 82.9 percent). In the loss, Chris Paul led all scorers on the team with 38 points.
Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Houston is 23-12 ATS with 21 unders, 13 overs and 1 push.
New Orleans is 13-19 ATS at home with 24 overs and 8 unders.
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Houston is 26-2 and New Orleans is 8-2.
The Rockets are 52-11 when they score more than 100 points, while the Pelicans are 37-18.
New Orleans ranks second in points in the paint per game (51.8) while Houston ranks 27th (41.2).
The Rockets rank second in rebounds allowed per game (41.2) while the Pelicans rank 27th (45.5).
Houston averages 42.2 three pointers per game, which ranks first in the league. New Orleans ranks 24th in three pointers allowed per game (30.5).
The Pelicans rank second in assists per game (26.5) while the Rockets rank 23rd (21.7).
Houston averages 8.6 steals per game, which ranks third in the league. New Orleans ranks 23rd in steals allowed per game (8.2).
The Rockets rank 11th in second chance points allowed per game (11.9) while the Pelicans rank 29th (13.6).
Houston averages 17.5 points off turnovers per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. New Orleans ranks 24th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.7).
The Pelicans rank third in blocks per game (5.9) while the Rockets rank 17th (4.7).
Houston ranks 15th in fast break points allowed per game (11.7) while New Orleans ranks 28th (14.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Houston is 3-2 ATS with 5 unders.
New Orleans is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Rockets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.4, up from 9.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pelicans have scored an average of 104.4 points per game (7.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 109.2 points per game (2.3 below their season average).
—–
