The Houston Rockets can collect their fourth straight win and ninth in 10 games with a triumph over the New Orleans Pelicans in the Bayou State tonight. Sportsbooks opened the Rockets as 2.5-point road favorites with a total of 227.
- The Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last five meetings with the Pelicans.
- The UNDER is 4-0 in the Pelicans' last four home games.
- The UNDER is 4-1 in the Rockets' last five road games.
Rockets vs Pelicans Game Center
Harden has been unstoppable lately
Reigning MVP James Harden has been fantastic during the Rockets’ stretch, as the veteran has eight straight 30-point outings, including four efforts with more than 40. The superstar is averaging 40.5 points during the eight-game stretch after collecting 45 points in Thursday’s 127-113 victory over the Boston Celtics. Center Clint Capela is also on a roll with averages of 20.3 points and 21.3 rebounds the past three games.
The Pelicans got a season-best 48 points from Anthony Davis in a 114-112 home win over the Dallas Mavericks to halt a five-game losing streak. Davis has grabbed at least 17 rebounds in each of the previous four games and fellow big man Julius Randle also fared well in the form of 22 points and 12 rebounds. In New Orleans’ 131-112 win over Houston on October 17, Davis had 32 points and 16 boards.
Is another UNDER in store tonight?
The Rockets have been far from a lock when playing the Pelicans of late. Houston is 1-4 ATS in the previous five matchups between the Western Conference clubs, with the Rockets getting the favorite label in each one of those games.
When it comes to the total, bettors would be wise to consider the UNDER in this one due to past betting trends. The Pelicans have cashed UNDER bets in each of their last four home games, while the Rockets have gone below the closing total in each of their past five road games.
My pick: take the Rockets
Despite Houston’s inability to cover against New Orleans in the past, I’m taking James Harden and company in this one. Houston’s recent tear has been long-awaited and they look like a team no one wants to play right now. I’m expecting that dominance to continue tonight.
