Rockets at Pelicans, Dec. 23: Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet

For night two of a split back-to-back in two different cities, the Rockets travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans (17-12) on Saturday evening. One night earlier, Houston (14-12) cruised to a blowout win in Friday’s game versus a short-handed Dallas Mavericks squad.

The good news for Houston is that Friday’s large margin allowed head coach Ime Udoka to avoid overly taxing any of his regulars.

If you’d like last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We have the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as all the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet.

Friday’s game starts at 7 p.m. Central and can be seen on the Space City Home Network and NBA League Pass.

Here’s a look at Saturday’s lines:

• Point spread: Pelicans -6.5
• Money line: Pelicans -275 / Rockets +220
• Over/under: 223.5

Rockets at Pelicans injury/status report:

On Friday, Houston’s injury report listed Victor Oladipo (left patellar tendon repair) as out and Tari Eason (left lower leg soreness) as questionable. Eason then went on to miss his second straight game, each with the same pregame designation.  Saturday’s report will not be issued until a few hours before tipoff, owing to the back-to-back.

On the other side, the Pelicans will be without Larry Nance Jr. (right rib fracture) and Matt Ryan (right elbow surgery). Zion Williamson (non-COVID illness) and Cody Zeller (right ankle sprain) are each questionable for Saturday’s game against the Rockets.

Advice and prediction

Thanks to veteran guard Fred VanVleet, the Rockets beat the Pelicans in an earlier November meeting. But that game was within Houston’s friendly home confines of Toyota Center, where they are 12-2 this season, and it was not on a back-to-back. Saturday’s game at Smoothie King Center presents a tougher challenge, and tired legs probably won’t help Houston’s suddenly leaky defense.

Even so, Williamson’s uncertain status could provide value to the Rockets at a relatively large spread number.

Prediction: Pelicans 115, Rockets 110

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.