Betting Trends New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets

The upcoming NBA showdown on January 18, 2026, features the New Orleans Pelicans taking on the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX. This game is a must-watch for basketball fans and bettors alike, broadcast on schn, gulf coast sport, and pelicans+.

Looking at the betting trends, the Houston Rockets hold a slight advantage as favorites with a -12.5 point spread and total points set at 230. The Rockets are averaging 117.1 points per game with a strong 47.8% field goal percentage and an efficient 37% from beyond the arc. Defensively, they allow 112.3 points per game. The Pelicans, on the other hand, are scoring 115 points per game, shooting 46.5% overall and 34.3% from three-point range, but their defense concedes nearly 119 points per game, which could be a factor in this matchup.

Starting lineups are expected to be full strength with any questionable players likely to play. Key players for the Rockets include their sharpshooters who contribute significantly to their 3-point efficiency, while the Pelicans rely heavily on their balanced scoring. The last meeting on December 18, 2025, saw the Pelicans edge out the Rockets 133-128 in a high-scoring affair, which you can explore in detail via our last matchup page.

Betting insights suggest that the Rockets' home advantage and slightly better defense could be pivotal. The Rockets' ATS record at home stands at 7-9, while the Pelicans struggle on the road with a 3-16 SU record. The total points line indicates a potentially high-scoring game, aligning with recent games between these teams.

For bettors looking to capitalize on this game, the best odds today for Houston are - at BetOnline, while New Orleans offers an enticing underdog potential at - also at BetOnline. These betting trends and game stats will help you make a smart wager.