New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Betting Preview
February 23, 2017
Date & time: Thursday, February 23, 8:00 PM
Venue: Smoothie King Center (New Orleans)
Head to head record
Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans 122-100 (2016/2017 NBA)
New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets 104-116 (2016/2017 NBA)
Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans 123-117 (2016/2017 NBA)
Houston Rockets vs New Orelans Pelicans 100-95 (2015/2016 NBA)
New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets 111-112 (2015/2016 NBA)
New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets prediction
New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets face each other at Smoothie King Center in the first game following the NBA All Star game. DeMarcus Cousins is eager to produce a fine display on his Pelicans debut, but Thursday’s match against James Harden and Co. will be anything but a walk in the park for the hosts.
Boogie is in the town
Sacramento Kings duo Omri Casspi – DeMarcus Cousins joined New Orleans Pelicans before the trade deadline day and, no doubt, the club chiefs have big ambitions for the NBA play-offs. Pelicans, though, sit in 11th place in the Western Conference ahead of the visit of Houston Rockets, but they are definitely capable of finishing the season in top eight. Boogie Cousins is widely expected to help the team improve their game and, no doubt, top scorer Anthony Davis will be taking less shots than usual in the remainder of the season. New Orleans suffered a heavy 94-127 loss to Utah Jazz in their last home game in NBA and they are eager to bounce back from the defeat. It has to be noted, though, that Alvin Gentry’s men are after their third consecutive win in the league.
Quincy Pondexter and Omri Casspi are both sidelined with injury, while the likes of Terrence Jones and Dante Cunningham are rated doubtful and the duo will be assessed on the match day.
Pelicans suit Rockets
Houston Rockets made a flying start to the season, but many people expected that the team would suffer a dip in form. However, Rockets continue to impress and, as a result, they occupy third place in the Western Conference ahead of the trip to New Orleans. James Harden is undisputedly the team’s key player and he has been averaging 29.2 points this term. To make things even better for the fans, “the Beard” has 11.3 assists game and, no doubt, he is capable of making life difficult for shaky New Orleans defence in Thursday’s clash. The club owners did not make changes to the roster in February and seeing that Rockets are eyeing their sixth straight win over Pelicans, away win should be considered. Unlike previous seasons, Rockets have been producing splendid displays on the road in the 2016/2017 NBA campaign and you should have in mind that they are after their 20th away win of the season.
Patrick Beverley has recovered from a groin injury and he is likely to play some part in Thursday’s game against Pelicans. Coach Mike D’Antoni has no selection worries ahead of the Smoothie King Center clash.
Interesting facts
- New Orleans suffered three defeats in last five home games
- Houston scored 100+ points in each of their last 21 away matches
- In previous five meetings between the two teams Rockets emerged triumphant
- DeMarcus Cousins has been averaging 27.8 points this season
- James Harden scored 29 points in last meeting between Pelicans and Rockets
New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets betting pick
Boogie Cousins is likely to help New Orleans Hornets improve offensively, but the former Sacramento Kings game will need time to adapt to the new surroundings. Seeing that Houston Rockets superstar James Harden looks unstoppable this season, I believe that there is a certain value in betting on the visitors, who are eyeing their 20th away win of the season.
Pick: Houston Rockets to win
Odds: -120
