Rockets vs. Pelicans: 3 Best Bets

Before the Houston Rockets take on the New Orleans Pelicans, check out our three best bets, powered by SI Sportsbook.

After a physical win over the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets continue their mini homestand, hosting the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans are riding a three-game losing streak and are hoping to right the ship before making a playoff push.

Houston is 2-0 this season against the Pelicans, despite impressive campaigns from Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. Alperen Sengun has averaged 30.5 points across those two games and has momentum behind him to rack up another big scoring night.

Tari Eason and Victor Oladipo are out for Houston tonight, and Herb Jones is questionable. Jones is the best defender on the roster, so his absence could lead to another big scoring night for Houston, which hasn’t scored less than 100 points in any of the last six games.

Keep it posted here for our best bets, powered by the lines at SI Sportsbook.

Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) secures a rebound against New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) during the first half at Smoothie King Center / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Lines

Point spread: Pelicans -2.5 (-110)/Rockets +2.5 (-118)

Money line: Pelicans (-137)/Rockets (+110)

Over/under: 231.5

Our Picks

Safe pick: Alperen Sengun OVER 23.5 points (-111)

Sengun has been a little hit-or-miss lately, averaging 22.2 points over his last five games. That average was built by a mix of some games where he scored over 30 points, and some games where he didn’t surpass 15 points. Against the Pelicans, who have had no answer for Sengun all season, expect a boom of a game. There have been calls for him to be an All-Star and calls for him to be in the MVP conversation down the line, so expect him to rise up and have a big night.

Opponent pick: Zion Williamson OVER 22.5 points (-120)

Williamson scored 24 and 28 points against the Rockets earlier this season and has averaged 22.0 points overall, finally being healthy enough to make a sizable impact. He has maintained his season average as of late, posting 22.5 points over his last five, and has been continuing to pound the paint. Houston has the fourth-best interior defense, but Williamson is a different animal and will make things difficult.

Power Rankings: Lakers Win Boosts Rockets?

Team pick: Rockets to win (+110)

Houston is coming off a big win over the Lakers, and Dillon Brooks is fired up. Sengun is elite against the Pelicans, and the backcourt of Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green has been as good as promised as of late. Green has averaged 28.6 points over his last five games, and the Pelicans have been slipping, so expect the home team to win this one.