New Orleans vs Houston Picks and Predictions for Saturday, December 13, 2025

By: Jake Allman Published 12/13/2025, 12:35 AM ET

New Orleans travels to Houston for a Saturday afternoon matchup at the Fertitta Center with tip set for 3:00 PM ET on ESPN+. The Cougars enter ranked No. 7 in the country and sit at 9-1 overall with a perfect 5-0 home record, while the Privateers have struggled early at 3-7 overall and 2-6 away from home. ESPN Analytics gives Houston a massive edge in this game. Big board, bigger value — see our winning college basketball predictions.

New Orleans Outlook

New Orleans comes in off a narrow 84-83 win over UIW, snapping a four-game skid that included road losses at Memphis, Texas Tech, and Mississippi State. The Privateers are scoring 73.4 points per game but allowing 82.2, which has made road games especially difficult. Coleton Benson leads the offense at 15.1 points per game while shooting 37.6 percent from the field, and Jakevion Buckley adds 14.4 points with 5.4 assists per game. New Orleans averages only 14.0 assists as a team, which limits shot quality against more talented opponents.

Shot selection and rebounding have also been issues for the Privateers. New Orleans is giving up a significant size advantage most nights, and the team allows opponents to control the glass. The lack of interior presence shows up against power-conference competition, where second-chance points pile up quickly. That problem becomes magnified against a Houston roster that plays physical for all 40 minutes.

Houston Outlook

Houston has won three straight games, including an 80-38 demolition of Jackson State and an 82-67 win over Florida State. The Cougars are allowing just 57.8 points per game while forcing turnovers at a high rate, averaging 9.3 steals per contest. Emanuel Sharp leads the team with 18.1 points per game on 45.7 percent shooting, while Kingston Flemings adds 14.8 points and 5.1 assists. Ball movement has been sharp all season, with Houston averaging 17.2 assists per game.

Subscribe Now

I authorize Picks And Parlays to send me promotional emails

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that Picks And Parlays may use third-party services to process my data.

Terms & Conditions

Rebounding and hustle define this group. The Cougars average 40.0 rebounds per game and block 4.6 shots, with Joseph Tugler anchoring the paint at 2.2 blocks per game. Houston’s depth allows constant pressure, and the home crowd at Fertitta Center tends to turn games lopsided quickly when runs start.

Houston vs New Orleans Prediction

This matchup sets up as a clear mismatch. Houston should control tempo, dominate the glass, and force New Orleans into inefficient possessions. Expect the Cougars to pull away early and keep extending the margin.

Best bets center on Houston covering a large spread and the game staying under the total due to Houston’s ability to suffocate weaker offenses. A projected final score looks like Houston 84, New Orleans 55, with the Cougars firmly in control from start to finish. Check out all the sportsbook promos to see if you are getting a great deal on your bets on New Orleans. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Houston with the Kickr promo code. Make sure when you place your bet on New Orleans vs Houston you are using the BetMGM bonus code.

Betting on College Basketball?

Join Picks and Parlays premium for free and get a free $30 coupon with code FREE30
Get started and wager on college hoops today with our favorite online sportsbooks
Claim a CBB betting bonus offer with the best sportsbook promos

Min. Deposit $5

Cashable No

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Requirement New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)

Cashable No

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).

Min. Deposit $5

Odds Requirements -500

Cashable No

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 7/19/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.