Pelicans vs. Rockets Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 17, 2023

Jalen Green’s Houston Rockets (17-52) will look to upset CJ McCollum and the New Orleans Pelicans when the Rockets play the Pelicans on March 17, 2023. The line has the Pelicans favored by 5.5 points against the Rockets. A point total of 228 has been set for the game.

Pelicans vs. Rockets Odds

• Pelicans odds to win: -220
• Rockets odds to win: +181
• Spread: Pelicans (-5.5)
• Total: 228

Pelicans vs. Rockets Promo Codes

Game Time and Information

• When: Friday, March 17, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET
• Where: Toyota Center in Houston, Texas
• TV: BSNO and SportsNet SW

Who Will Win Pelicans vs. Rockets?

Pelicans and Rockets Betting Trends, Records Against the Spread

When they have played as at least 5.5-point favorites this season, the Pelicans are 8-7 against the spread.

The Rockets have a 21-29-3 record against the spread this season when an underdog by 5.5 points or more.

The two teams average a combined 3.8 fewer points per game (224.2) than this matchup’s total of 228 points.

Opponents of the two teams average a combined 3.7 more points per game, 231.7, than this matchup’s total of 228 points.

The average total the Pelicans have had set in games this year is 0.6 fewer points than this outing’s point total.

The average total in Houston’s games this season is 0.5 more points than the point total of 228 for this outing.

New Orleans has a 31-37-1 record against the spread this season.

The Rockets have a 27-38-4 record against the spread this season.

Pelicans Stats & Insights

The Pelicans have a +30 scoring differential, putting up 113.9 points per game (16th in the league) and giving up 113.5 (16th in the NBA).

The Pelicans grab 43.6 rebounds per game (14th in the league) while conceding 42.2 per outing to their opponents. They outrebound opponents by 1.4 boards per game.

New Orleans hits 10.8 three-pointers per game (23rd in the league) at a 35.4% rate (19th in the NBA), compared to the 12.3 per contest its opponents make while shooting 34.1% from deep.

The Pelicans average 111.0 points per 100 possessions (20th in the league), while allowing 110.6 points per 100 possessions (ninth in the NBA).

The Pelicans’ offense has been much better in home games (114.3 PPG) compared to away games (113.5 PPG). Likewise, their defense has been much better at home (110.2 PPG allowed) when compared to their play on the road (116.9 PPG allowed).

Rockets Stats & Insights

The Rockets are being outscored by 7.9 points per game, with a -543 scoring differential overall. They put up 110.3 points per game (29th in NBA), and allow 118.2 per contest (27th in league).

Houston averages 46.5 rebounds per game (fourth in league) while conceding 41.4 per contest to opponents. It outrebounds opponents by 5.1 boards per game.

The Rockets make 10.7 three-pointers per game (25th in the league) while shooting 32.8% from beyond the arc (30th in NBA). They are making 3.9 fewer threes than their opponents, who drain 14.6 per game at 37.3%.

The Rockets rank 30th in the NBA with 107.0 points scored per 100 possessions, and 28th defensively with 116.3 points conceded per 100 possessions.

At home, Houston scores 110.2 points per game. On the road, it averages 110.4.

Pelicans Key Players to Watch

McCollum leads active Pelicans’ players in points and assists per game, scoring 21.1 points and distributing 6.0 assists.

Jonas Valanciunas’ averages this season are 14.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.

The Pelicans get 2.8 three-pointers per game out of McCollum.

Herbert Jones averages 1.6 steals per game, while Trey Murphy III has 0.5 blocks per contest.

Rockets Key Players to Watch

Green racks up 21.6 points per game. He also adds 3.9 rebounds per outing and 3.6 assists per contest.

This season, Alperen Sengun is averaging 14.7 points, 3.9 assists and 8.7 rebounds per game.

Green averages 2.5 made threes per game.

The Rockets’ defensive effort gets a boost from Tari Eason (1.1 steals per game) and Jabari Smith Jr. (1.0 block per game).

Pelicans vs. Rockets Prediction

• Pick ATS: Pelicans (- 5.5)
• Pick OU:

  Over (228)
  

• Prediction:
  Pelicans 117 – Rockets 111

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