Rockets vs. Pelicans Prediction and Odds (Back Rockets Against Shuffling Pelicans)
The New Orleans Pelicans are getting a makeover right before the NBA trade deadline. They reportedly traded for C.J. McCollum, Larry Nance and Tony Snell this morning. This team will look different than the one the Houston Rockets played two nights ago.
Sources: The Blazers are acquiring New Orleans' 2022 first-round pick with protections. The pick comes to the Blazers if it lands between Nos. 5 and 14. If it doesn't convey this year, the first-rounder kicks to the future for Portland. https://t.co/TKmA6oVjLy
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2022
The Pelicans won that game 120-107, and will look to do it again tonight. With all the roster movement due to the trade, will New Orleans have enough to cover a near double-digit spread?
Here are the odds for the matchup via WynnBET.
Rockets vs. Pelicans Odds, Spread and Total
Spread:
- Rockets: +9.5 (-110)
- Pelicans: -9.5 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Rockets: +375
- Pelicans: -500
Total:
- 228 (Over: -110/Under: -110)
Rockets vs. Pelicans Prediction and Pick
While the Rockets are as bad as their record says, the Pelicans are not. New Orleans got off to a very rough start to the season, but have turned it around and are now in the play-in tournament. The key to New Orleans' success has been its defense. Over the last 10 games, the Pelicans have been top six in defensive rating.
The Pelicans also made a major move today, sending Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Tomas Satoransky and draft compensation to the Trail Blazers for C.J. McCollum. While the trade will work out in the long term, it doesn't bode well for tonight. Hart is one of the key rotation players and best defenders on the Pelicans. On top of that, Alexander-Walker is a key member of the rotation as well, leaving the Pelicans short-handed.
Portland is finalizing acquiring Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tomas Satoransky and draft compensation in the CJ McCollum trade, sources said. https://t.co/or5Ay22rZ3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2022
I was leaning towards the Rockets +10 before the deal got done, so I'll back them at +9.5. Houston has a way of showing up to play on peculiar nights. I think they'll be able to go into New Orleans and at least stay with a Pelicans team that will have a short rotation tonight.
Lean: Rockets +9.5 (-110)
You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.