The New Orleans Pelicans (33-37) have slipped to 12th in the Western Conference after facing two consecutive losses. They will now face the Houston Rockets (18-52) in the second game of their doubleheader on Sunday evening.
The Pelicans’ 114-112 defeat to the Rockets last night was a painful sight as Jabari Smith Jr. nailed a clutch three-pointer to seal his side a win. Brandon Ingram’s 31-point effort was unsuccessful, while Jonas Valanciunas scored 22 points in the loss. The Pelicans are now only 3-7 in their last ten games and moving further away in the race for the playoffs.
New Orleans’ opponents tonight, the Houston Rockets, are already out of the playoff race but have been playing well lately with a fully fit squad. The Rockets aim to end the season on a positive note and are coming off wins against teams like the Los Angeles Lakers (114-110) and Boston Celtics (114-112). The team was plagued with injuries for most of the season, but it seems the full strength of the squad is back in action.
Match Details
Fixture: New Orleans Pelicans @ Houston Rockets
Date & Time: Sunday, March 19, 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets: Injury Report
There are no injuries at the moment for the Rockets. On the other hand, Zion Williamson is still out for the Pelicans with a hamstring injury. Jose Alvarado is also unavailable due to a shin injury, and EJ Liddell is out indefinitely with a knee injury.
Injury List
| Player | Team | Status | Injury |
| Zion Williamson | New Orleans Pelicans | Out | Hamstring |
| Jose Alvarado | New Orleans Pelicans | Out | Shin |
| E.J Liddell | New Orleans Pelicans | Out | Knee |
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets: Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Over/Under |
| New Orleans Pelicans | -220 | -5 (-110) | O 227.5 (-110) |
| Houston Rockets | +180 | +5 (-110) | U 227.5 (-110) |
Starting 5s
Pelicans: F Brandon Ingram, F Trey Murphy III, C Jonas Valanciunas, G CJ McCollum, G Herb Jones
Rockets: F Kenyon Martin Jr., F Jabari Smith Jr., C Alperen Sengun, G Jalen Green, G Kevin Porter Jr.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets: Betting Prediction
The Pelicans have a 2-1 lead over the Rockets in their three encounters this season, but the Rockets now have a chance at home to make it 2-2, considering the form they are in. Although the Pelicans are better in offense and defense, the present scenario gives the Rockets an upper hand, along with having the home advantage. Expect the Rockets to cover the spread at home tonight.
