Rockets at Pelicans, Feb. 22: Prediction, point spread, odds, best bet
Ime Udoka isn’t yet ready to make any changes to his starting lineup. But as the Rockets (24-30) resume play Thursday in New Orleans after a week off for the NBA’s All-Star break, Houston’s head coach is making it clear his starting unit is badly in need of improvement.
Fortunately, the Rockets do have some reinforcements on the way. Veteran point guard Fred VanVleet is back after missing five games with a left adductor strain, and that could help guide young players such as Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun.
Rookie swingman Cam Whitmore is returning, as well, after sitting out Houston’s previous three games with a right ankle sprain. His scoring punch could prove useful against a star-studded Pelicans team led by the likes of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson.
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.
Thursday’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 Thursday’s lines:
- Point spread: Pelicans -6.5
- Money line: Pelicans -275 / Rockets +225
- Over/Under: 227.5
Rockets at Pelicans injury report:
Advice and prediction
The Rockets are 5-21 away from Houston this season, and they’ve lost their last six consecutive road contests, overall. That slippage is a big reason their odds of a Western Conference play-in tournament push have significantly declined in recent weeks.
The Pelicans (33-22) are a superior team, rested, and playing at home, where they actually lost to Houston on Dec. 23. That should have them on high alert. It’s hard to imagine it happening twice.
That said, Houston has been a good defensive team when rested and healthy, and the lofty over/under line likely reflects their poor (and injured) form before the All-Star break. That could be a smart play.
Prediction: Pelicans 116, Rockets 108
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
