Rockets vs Pelicans Picks and Prediction – 3/7/2025

Southwest Division foes will battle on Thursday night, when the Houston Rockets and the New Orleans Pelicans square off from the Smoothie King Center. The Rockets (37-25) are looking to snap a three-game losing streak and are sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference standings. On Tuesday, Houston missed 21 of 30 three-point attempts and shot just 41 percent overall during a 115-102 road loss against Indiana. 

All-Star C Alperen Sengun led six Houston players in double figures with 25 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Tari Eason added 16 points (7-14 FG) and 14 rebounds off the bench. Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks scored 13 points each for the Rockets, who outrebounded the Pacers by a 58-35 margin. 

The New Orleans Pelicans have dropped 19 of their first 30 home games and own the second worst overall record in the Western Conference. The Pelicans (17-45) rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency and are surrendering 119 points per contest. On Tuesday, New Orleans allowed Los Angeles to shoot 53 percent from the field during a 136-115 road loss. 

New Orleans F Zion Williamson poured in a game-high 37 points on a 17-for-23 shooting performance and dished out six assists. Trey Murphy added 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Jordan Hawkins scored 17 points off the bench for the Pelicans, who missed 25 of 34 three-point attempts. 

Houston G Fred VanVleet is dealing with an ankle injury and will remain sidelined for this contest. The Rockets are giving up an average of 121.6 points during their recent slide and the Pelicans have struggled to get stops all season long. Take the over. Final Score Prediction, Houston Rockets win 120-115.