New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Picks and Predictions December 26th 2024

Rockets Rely on Depth While Pelicans Seek Spark to End Losing Streak

The Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans find themselves on opposite trajectories as they face off Thursday night. The surging Rockets, winners of five of their last six games, will look to capitalize on their depth against a struggling Pelicans squad mired in a seven-game losing streak.

Houston Rockets: Depth Delivering Wins

The Rockets (20-9) have showcased remarkable depth, even overcoming injuries to key contributors like Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason. In their recent 114-101 win over Charlotte, multiple players stepped up:

• Amen Thompson, filling in for Brooks, recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds in a strong starting performance.
• Cam Whitmore, a two-way player, added 17 points off the bench, highlighting the Rockets’ balanced scoring.
• Fred VanVleet led the way with 20 points, providing consistent veteran leadership.

Houston’s ability to focus from the opening tip has been key. The Rockets dominated the Hornets in the first half on Monday, taking a commanding 62-31 lead. That marked a significant shift from their sluggish start against Toronto a day earlier, where they had to rally for a 114-110 win.

Coach Ime Udoka praised his team’s effort, saying:

“I loved our grit and intensity from the start.”

The Rockets will aim to close out their three-game road trip with another win, leveraging their versatility and the ability of different players to contribute nightly.

New Orleans Pelicans: Searching for Stability

The Pelicans (5-24) are desperate to find their footing amid a tough season. Despite their struggles, they showed signs of life in a heartbreaking 132-129 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.

Key performers included:

• Dejounte Murray, who delivered an all-around effort with 17 points, 15 assists, eight rebounds, and six steals. The guard has been finding his rhythm after returning from a hand injury that sidelined him for 17 games.
• Yves Missi, the 21st overall pick in the NBA draft, continued to impress with 21 points and nine rebounds while holding his own against two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

Murray’s ability to impact the game beyond scoring has been a bright spot for the Pelicans. Coach Willie Green noted:

“His scoring may not be where he wants it to be, but he’s finding his teammates and is super engaged on defense.”

Missi has emerged as a foundational piece for the Pelicans, shouldering significant responsibility as a 20-year-old rookie. He’s averaging 9.7 points and 8.6 rebounds, starting in 23 of 29 games.

Keys to the Game

For the Rockets:

• Continue leveraging their depth, with players like Thompson and Whitmore stepping up in key moments.
• Dominate the boards to neutralize Missi’s rebounding impact.
• Maintain their focus from the opening tip, avoiding lapses that have occasionally allowed opponents back into games.

For the Pelicans:

• Find consistency in closing out games after blowing a 17-point lead against Denver.
• Utilize Murray’s playmaking to create high-percentage opportunities for teammates.
• Limit turnovers and defensive lapses that have plagued them during their losing streak.

Check out NBA Scoring Leader Odds & Predictions for expert insights.

Prediction

While the Pelicans showed fight against Denver, their inability to close out games and the Rockets’ current form make Houston the favorite. The Rockets’ depth and defensive effort should overpower a New Orleans team still seeking stability.

Final Score Prediction: Rockets 112, Pelicans 101