Pelicans vs. Rockets Prediction
The Houston Rockets are coming off a fantastic season and will be setting their sights on an even bigger prize this season. Are the Rockets going to begin the regular season by covering the spread at home versus the New Orleans Pelicans?
Game Snapshot
713 New Orleans Pelicans at 714 Houston Rockets
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Toyota Center at 8:05PM ET
TV: ESPN
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Rockets are an 8-point favorite on the spread line. The total is set at 230 points. As of Wednesday morning, 67 percent of public bets are being placed on host Houston. Check out our NBA Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Pelicans add Payton, Randle
New Orleans will have a different look this season with the additions of point guard Elfrid Payton and power forward Julius Randle in free agency. They will join big man Anthony Davis in what will be an entertaining product this season. Davis is coming off a season where he willed the Pelicans to the playoffs following an Achilles injury suffered by the now-departed DeMarcus Cousins. Davis averaged 28.1 points. 11.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game last season. He could be poised for an even bigger statistical year as he is the clear focus again with Cousins out of the picture.
Harden coming off MVP campaign
James Harden led the NBA in scoring at 30.4 points per game to go with 8.8 assists and 5.4 rebounds. With Houston winning 65 games during the regular season, Harden was named the league’s MVP for his efforts. While another MVP Award might be too much to ask, Harden is poised for another huge year alongside plenty of help such as Clint Capela and Chris Paul. What will be important for the Rockets is to monitor the health of Paul all season as his on-court presence during the postseason will be crucial if Houston wishes to advance to the NBA Finals.
NBA Betting Trends
New Orleans
The Pelicans are 7-0 ATS in their last seven Wednesday games. The under is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Houston.
Houston
The Rockets are 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games versus New Orleans. The under is 37-16-1 in the last 54 meetings.
Prediction:
New Orleans is going to win its fair share of games this season and Davis says he plans on dominating on a nightly basis, which wouldn’t surprise anyone. But right here it feels like the Pelicans might need a few games to develop chemistry with the new-look starting lineup and a road matchup at Houston isn’t ideal. I’m taking the tested Rockets here.
NBA DAILY PREDICTION: HOUSTON ROCKETS -8