Rockets Eye a Win Over Struggling Pelicans in December 26 Clash
The Houston Rockets are gearing up to face the New Orleans Pelicans on December 26, 2024, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. This matchup comes at a crucial time for both teams, but with vastly different trajectories. The Rockets, sitting at a solid 20-9 record, are coming off a strong stretch and are 9-5 on the road, showing impressive resilience and a +7 point differential. In contrast, the Pelicans have been struggling with a 5-25 record and only two wins in their last 10 home games.
into the game, the Rockets are clear favorites, with the odds set at -336 on the moneyline, while the Pelicans are listed at +264. Houston is also favored by 8 points on the spread, which suggests that the bookmakers believe the Pelicans' struggles will continue. Despite their record, New Orleans has had some strong moments and is known for its ability to pull off surprises, especially when playing divisional rivals, as shown in their recent 4-1 Over trend in division matchups.
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Looking at recent performance, the Rockets are coming off a solid run, having won four of their last five away games against teams with losing records. Their offense is firing on all cylinders, and they are poised to capitalize on New Orleans' weak defense. However, New Orleans has been a bit more competitive in their home games and will look to make a stand. The Pelicans' last stretch of games has been tough, but a good showing against a team like Houston could provide a much-needed morale boost.
The total for this game is set at 221.5 points, and while the Rockets' high-powered offense may look to push the pace, the Pelicans will have to dig deep to keep it close and avoid being blown out. Our expert team has leaned towards a play on the Pelicans at +8, considering their ability to cover the spread in certain matchups, even if they struggle to win outright.
For bettors, this game is one to watch closely. Houston’s solid form and strong road record suggest they will come out on top, but the Pelicans have shown they can pull off surprising results in divisional games. This game will be critical for both teams, with the Rockets looking to maintain their momentum and the Pelicans hoping to salvage their season.
So, this is a game where Houston’s offensive firepower and road resilience will likely prevail, but New Orleans may have the motivation to make it competitive. Keep an eye on the spread, as the Pelicans could be in for a closer contest than expected, especially if they can capitalize on the Rockets’ occasional lapses on defense.
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