3rd quarter report
The Rockets already have more points against the Pelicans than they managed in total against the Thunder last Saturday. The Rockets are in full control with a 99-79 lead over the Pelicans.
The Rockets came into the game with extra motivation after the loss they suffered the last time these two teams faced each other. We’ll see if they are able to flip the script or if it will just be more of the same.
Who’s playing
New Orleans Pelicans @ Houston Rockets
Current records: New Orleans 5-22, Houston 17-9
How to watch
- When: Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 8 p.m. ET
- Or: Toyota Center – Houston, TX
- TV: Gulf Coast Sports
- Follow: CBS Sports app
- Online broadcast: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Ticket cost: $16.31
What you need to know
The New Orleans Pelicans will face the Houston Rockets on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET at the Toyota Center after having a few days off. The Pelicans are undoubtedly hoping to end a 13-game losing streak on the road.
Last Sunday, things could have been worse for the Pelicans, but they could have been much better as they suffered a 119-104 loss to the Pacers. New Orleans was down 99-80 at the end of the third quarter, which was just too difficult to recover from.
The Pelicans struggled to work together and finished the game with just 18 assists. They are winless (0-5) when they don’t pass the ball.
Meanwhile, the Rockets fell far behind the Thunder on Saturday and lost 111-96.
New Orleans’ loss dropped their record to 5-22. As for Houston, their loss dropped their record to 17-9.
The Pelicans hope to defy the odds on Thursday, as experts believe they are headed for a loss. This contest will be their ninth in a row as underdogs (so far in this stretch, they are 4-4 ATS).
Everything went in the Pelicans’ favor against the Rockets in their previous meeting in February, as the Pelicans took a 127-105 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Pelicans since the team won’t have home-court advantage this time around. We’ll see if the change of location makes a difference.
Odds
Houston is an 8.5-point favorite against New Orleans, according to the latest NBA Odds.
Oddsmakers moved slightly against the Rockets, as the game opened with the Rockets as 10-point favorites.
The over/under is 217.5 points.
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History of the series
New Orleans has won 7 of its last 10 games against Houston.
- February 22, 2024 – New Orleans 127 vs. Houston 105
- January 31, 2024 – New Orleans 110 vs. Houston 99
- December 23, 2023 – Houston 106 vs. New Orleans 104
- November 10, 2023 – Houston 104 vs. New Orleans 101
- March 19, 2023 – New Orleans 117 vs. Houston 107
- March 17, 2023 – Houston 114 vs. New Orleans 112
- January 4, 2023 – New Orleans 119 vs. Houston 108
- November 12, 2022 – New Orleans 119 vs. Houston 106
- March 13, 2022 – New Orleans 130 vs. Houston 105
- February 8, 2022 – New Orleans 110 vs. Houston 97
