Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Houston Rockets are 7-3 over their last ten games!
• The New Orleans Pelicans look to extend their winning streak to four!
• The Rockets took the last game when these teams first met in January, 126-112.

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Rockets vs Pelicans Predictions and Picks

The Houston Rockets’ stout defence is difficult to contend with. However, with the likelihood that both John Wall and Christian Wood will be out for this matchup, we expect the New Orleans Pelicans to continue their winning streak!

Pick:

New Orleans Pelicans to Win (-167)

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How to Watch Rockets vs Pelicans

Head-to-Head: Rockets vs Pelicans

The Rockets’ Offence Can’t Stall

Since the departure of James Harden, the Houston Rockets’ offence has clearly taken a step back in quality. While they own a number of good pieces, they still struggle to find regular attacking flow.

Their struggles scoring came to the forefront in their last game against the Charlotte Hornets. While the teams were separated by just three points going into the fourth quarter, the Rockets’ inability to find the basket contributed to their paltry seven fourth-quarter points.

Against a versatile offensive team like the Pelicans, the Rockets can’t afford another offensive collapse. They’ll need to find easy baskets, rather than relying on the hero-ball style that they were trying to escape by dealing Harden.

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The Pelicans Starters Are Thriving

When you look at the New Orleans Pelicans and their depth of talent, you wonder why they are ranked so lowly in the West. A part of it has to do with competitiveness, but the Pelicans starters are certainly doing their fair share.

In New Orleans’ last game, a win over Memphis, the starting five accounted for 97 of the team’s 118 points. Each starter also shot at least 45% from the field and 40% from three.

It won’t be a question of who won’t make the grade for New Orleans, but who can step up off of the bench. JJ Redick has disappointed in limited minutes this season, while Josh Hart was without a field goal in five attempts last game. New Orleans has the talent, they just need the right game plan to overcome the Rockets’ defence.

Rockets Key Player: (G) Victor Oladipo

Oladipo heating up! ? pic.twitter.com/A1U3aItXD0

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) February 9, 2021

The Rockets are likely to miss two key pieces when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans. John Wall missed their last match due to Achilles rehab, while Christian Wood remains out with an ankle injury. Newly acquired star Victor Oladipo will be relied upon to fill the void.

In his last match against the Hornets, Oladipo was one of the few bright spots. He contributed 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in 34 minutes of play.

While Oladipo can certainly score the ball, he’ll need to be more of a playmaker. After Houston’s seven-point fourth quarter against the Hornets, the Rockets need him to create more opportunities for his teammates.

Pelicans Key Player: (F) Brandon Ingram

B.I. has been on a tear during our three-game win streak ?

26.7 PPG | 7.3 REB | 5.3 AST | 2.0 BLK
3.3 threes per game on 59% from distance@B_Ingram13 | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/rTXumt5wWh

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 8, 2021

Brandon Ingram may be quiet, but his impact is felt whether or not you hear him. The 23-year-old All-Star has maintained his numbers from last season while improving on his efficiency and partnering well with Zion Williamson.

In his last game against the Grizzlies, Ingram posted 27 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks on 11 of 20 shooting from the field.

Matched with a tough perimeter defender in PJ Tucker, Ingram will likely show off his newfound playmaking skills. But should he continue to score so efficiently, the Pelicans will be hard to beat.