Pelicans vs Rockets Picks and Prediction – 3/9/2025

Southwest Division rivals will square off on Saturday night, when the New Orleans Pelicans and the Houston Rockets wrap up a home-and-home from the Toyota Center. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Pelicans (17-46) are 20 games below .500 on the road and own the second worst overall record in the Western Conference. On Thursday, New Orleans shot an ice cold 37 percent from the field during a 109-97 home loss versus Houston.

New Orleans G Trey Murphy III tallied a game-high 26 points on 9-for-15 shooting and pulled down five boards. Zion Williamson converted 10-for-12 from the charity stripe and finished with 20 points. Veteran G C.J. McCollum added 13 points (5-15 FG) in a losing effort for the Pelicans. 

The Houston Rockets have won 20 of their first 30 home games and trail Memphis by a half-game for fourth place in the Western Conference standings. The Rockets (38-25) rank third in the league in defensive efficiency and are allowing 109.2 points per game. During Thursday’s road victory, Houston outscored New Orleans 33-15 in the third quarter and shot a sizzling 57 percent from the field. 

All-Star C Alperen Sengun led five Houston players in double figures with 22 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. Second-year pro Amen Thompson contributed 21 points (10-13 FG) and 11 rebounds. Tari Eason added 20 points and five steals for the Rockets. 

Houston G Fred VanVleet (ankle) did not play during Thursday’s victory and is listed as questionable for this game. These two teams rank in the top half of the league in tempo and the Pelicans rank third worst in defensive efficiency. Look for Houston to win the rematch in a game that soars over the total. Final Score Prediction, Houston Rockets win 122-115.