Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Picks and Prediction for Thursday December 18 2025

By: Eddie Kline Published 12/18/2025, 12:25 AM ET

Rockets Preview

The Smoothie King Center will play host to a Thursday night NBA clash between the Houston Rockets and the New Orleans Pelicans. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Rockets (16-7) have won eight of their first 13 road games and are a game out of third place in the Western Conference standings. On Monday, Houston took host Denver to overtime before falling by a 128-125 final score.

All-Star C Alperen Sengun tallied a team-high 33 points (14-27 FG), ten rebounds, and ten assists. All-Star F Kevin Durant scored 25 points on 8-for-14 shooting and dished out seven assists. Jabari Smith Jr. added 16 points and ten boards for the Rockets.

Pelicans Preview

The New Orleans Pelicans have dropped 12 of their first 15 home games and own the worst overall record in the Western Conference. The Pelicans (5-22) rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency and are surrendering 122.8 points per contest. Last time out, New Orleans converted 20-for-25 from the charity stripe to earn a 114-104 road victory against Chicago.

Trey Murphy III and rookie Jeremiah Fears led six New Orleans players in double figures with 20 points each. Zion Williamson contributed 18 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes off the bench. Jordan Poole added 16 points and four assists for the Pelicans.

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Rockets vs Pelicans Pick

Houston F Tari Eason is dealing with a right oblique strain and his status for this contest is uncertain. The Rockets are playing at the third slowest pace in the league, so the under is my lean on the total. Take the Pelicans plus the points to cover at home. Final Score Prediction, Houston Rockets win 117-112. The best sportsbooks are the best way to go when you are betting on the Rockets. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for the Pelicans with the Onyx Odds promo code. Getting the most out of your bets on Pelicans vs Rockets can be done by using the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

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