Rockets vs. Pelicans: 3 Best Bets for NBA's Return

As the Houston Rockets gear up for a final push this season, they end the All-Star Break with a matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Houston Rockets are down but not out. After losing five of the last six games before the All-Star Break, the Rockets are 12th in the Western Conference and are making a final push before the Play-In Tournament.

They start the unofficial back half of the NBA season by traveling east to take on the New Orleans Pelicans, who are sixth in the Western Conference. Houston holds a 2-1 advantage in the season series and is looking to get a win.

Tari Eason and Steven Adams are out for Houston, and Dyson Daniels is out for New Orleans. Brandon Ingram and Cody Zeller are both questionable for the Pelicans. 

Keep it posted here for our three best bets, courtesy of the odds at SI Sportsbook. 

Rockets Fred VanVleet will return to the starting lineup after a five-game absence due to an injury / © Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Lines

Point spread: Pelicans -7.5 (-110)/Rockets +7.5 (-118)

Money line: Pelicans (-300)/Rockets (+220)

Over/under: 228.5

Our Picks

Safe pick: Fred VanVleet OVER 13.5 points

After missing the last five games before the break, Fred VanVleet is back in the lineup for Houston. Before his injury, VanVleet was struggling to score, especially from deep, but expect Houston to use him as a true point guard. He might not score many points, but he will have a lot of open looks and should be able to clear this rather low line. 

Opponent pick: Jonas Valanciunas OVER 11.5 points (-118)

Valanciunas is averaging 13.7 points this season and averages 16.6 points against the Rockets this year. Only coming in under this line once, expect his physicality to result in some easy buckets down low. He might even be the leading scorer. 

Power Rankings: Where Are Rockets After All-Star Break?

Redemption pick: Jalen Green OVER 1.5 threes made (-143)

Jalen Green has not made a three in either of his last two games and is shooting a woeful 20.7 percent from deep over his last five outings. However, with the return of VanVleet, expect Green to thrive off-ball tonight, resulting in a much better shot selection.