Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends

The upcoming NBA game on December 18, 2025, features the Houston Rockets visiting the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest filled with strategic gameplay and betting excitement. Houston, boasting a strong 3-point shooting percentage of 39.9%, will look to leverage their offensive efficiency against the Pelicans, who shoot 34.4% from beyond the arc. Both teams have shown contrasting defensive ratings, with Houston's at 111.4 and New Orleans struggling at 120.1, which could lead to a high-scoring affair.

Key players from Houston are expected to continue their solid performances, especially given their recent close games, including a narrow 125-128 loss against the Denver Nuggets. The Pelicans, despite a tough season with a 5-22 record, have home-court advantage and a respectable 16-10 against the spread record, making this game intriguing for bettors. The starting lineups and injury reports will be crucial, but with no major injuries reported, both teams should field competitive squads.

The odds currently favor Houston with a -10 point spread and a total points line set at 234.5, reflecting expectations of a competitive but high-scoring game. Bettors should consider Houston's strong away ATS record (9-4) and New Orleans' solid home ATS record (9-5) when placing wagers. This game offers valuable betting trends and game insights to help bettors make informed decisions.

For a deeper dive into stats and to catch the live action, tune in to Gulf Coast Sport, SCHN, and Pelicans+ on game day. Ready to bet smarter? Start your OddsTrader Turbo subscription now or place your bet with a U.S. regulated sportsbook and profit off the edge.

In their last matchup on October 14, 2025, the Rockets edged out the Pelicans 130-128 in a nail-biter. Check out the detailed stats to get the betting edge.