New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Picks and Predictions for Friday March 13 2026
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The New Orleans Pelicans travel to face the Houston Rockets on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET with television coverage on Space City Home Network and GCSEN. The Houston Rockets enter this matchup as favorites with odds listed at Houston -285 on the moneyline and New Orleans +230. The spread is Houston -7.5 while the total is set at 226.5 points. Be sure to check out our free NBA picks for more daily betting insights and predictions.
Pelicans Searching for Offensive Momentum
The New Orleans Pelicans come into this matchup with a 22-45 overall record and a 9-24 mark on the road this season. The Pelicans have shown flashes offensively in recent games, having recently won over Toronto 122-111, won over Washington 138-118, and won over Sacramento 133-123 while also recently losing to Phoenix 118-116 and losing to the LA Lakers 110-101.
New Orleans is averaging 115.6 points per game while allowing 120.0 points per contest this season. The Pelicans are shooting 47% from the field while averaging 44.0 rebounds and 25.1 assists per game. Defensively they contribute 5.0 blocks and 8.9 steals per game, but their defensive numbers have struggled as the season has progressed.
One of the key aspects of the Pelicans’ game has been their ability to push the pace and generate offense. When New Orleans is scoring efficiently they can keep games competitive, but their defensive consistency has been a major issue, particularly in road matchups against stronger teams.
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Rockets Dominant at Home
The Houston Rockets enter this contest with a 40-25 overall record and an impressive 22-8 record at home this season. Houston has had mixed results recently, having recently won over Toronto 113-99 and won over Portland 106-99 while also recently losing to Denver 129-93, losing to San Antonio 145-120, and losing to Golden State 115-113 in overtime.
Houston is averaging 114.2 points per game while allowing 110.0 points per contest this season. The Rockets are shooting 48% from the field while averaging 48.2 rebounds and 24.7 assists per game. Defensively they contribute 5.8 blocks and 8.7 steals per game, helping them maintain one of the better defensive profiles in the Western Conference.
A major strength for Houston has been its rebounding and interior presence. The Rockets’ ability to control the glass and protect the rim often limits second-chance opportunities for opponents, which has been a key factor in their strong home record.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Pick
New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Pick
- Houston Rockets -7.5
Houston has been extremely strong at home this season while New Orleans has struggled significantly on the road. The Rockets’ defensive edge and rebounding advantage should allow them to control the pace of this game, and against a Pelicans team that allows 120 points per game, Houston should find plenty of scoring opportunities. The Rockets’ home dominance makes them the stronger side in this matchup.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Total Pick
- Over 226.5
I like the over in this matchup because both teams play at a relatively fast pace and the Pelicans’ defense has struggled all season. New Orleans games frequently turn into high-scoring contests, and with Houston capable of pushing the tempo as well, I expect this game to reach the upper 220s or even higher.
Final Score Prediction: Houston Rockets 120, New Orleans Pelicans 111
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Thursday.
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