The Rockets will play the Pelicans on Thursday, December 18th, 2025. Your timezone's tip off time is 8:10 pm EST. Check local listings or your nearest streaming app for coverage.
Learn more about NBA Betting with our handy tutorial and guide. We explain spread, total and money line bets. Plus, a great discussion about exotic bets like NBA parlays and props.
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Table of Contents
- Matchup Stats
- Captain Shady Lines
- Best Odds
- Interactive Odds Example
- Prop Bets
- Team Standings
- Futures Odds
- Team Pages
- Other Games Today
Key Matchup Stats
Now that the 2025-26 NBA season is in full swing, let's gear up for a game between the Houston Rockets and the New Orleans Pelicans set for Thursday, December 18th, 2025. Make sure to review each team's performance stats below as you handicap this matchup. We've included a few key metrics we think will be most helpful. At this point in the season, statistical trends should begin to firm up.
- SportsBetting3.com Power Rankings - The Houston Rockets currently have a 96.67 power ranking. The power ranking for the New Orleans Pelicans is 83.67. Continue monitoring these figures as the season progresses.
- Away Houston Rockets - The Houston Rockets currently have a 8-5 record as an away team. That standing puts them 5th in the league for away team wins.
- Home New Orleans Pelicans - The New Orleans Pelicans start this matchup with a 3-12 record as a home team. They now rank 11th in the league for home team wins so far in the 2025-26 NBA regular season.
- Average Points Per Game - The Houston Rockets currently rank 4th (120.8) for average points scored per game. On the other side of the court, the New Orleans Pelicans stand at 21st averaging 114.2 PPG.
- Average Opponent Points Per Game - Opponents have scored an average of 111.2 points against the Houston Rockets, ranking them 22nd in the league. The New Orleans Pelicans currently rank 3rd in the league for points scored against them, with a current standing of 122.8 OPPG.
- Team Division Records - The Houston Rockets have notched a 2-2 Western Southwest Division division record, while the New Orleans Pelicans possess a 1-6 Western Southwest Division standing.
- Overall Team Records - The Houston Rockets have a 16-7 overall record, while the New Orleans Pelicans have a 5-22 standing.
Captain Shady Lines
A broken compass is right at least twice a day.
Avast ye, Rockets are ready to plunder the Pelicans' nest...Pelicans fans squawk and jeer, but Rockets will have the last laugh...Rockets stand tall with 16-7 record, while Pelicans wallow at 5-22...Rockets aim to continue their dominance in the Western Southwest Division...See you courtside at today's game, where Rockets will show no mercy...Be sure to review the best point spread, moneyline, and total bets...Pelicans may struggle to keep up with Rockets' high-scoring offense...Look at this game's prop bets below and place your wagers now...Rockets have the firepower to sink the sinking Pelicans' ship...Fans in New Orleans will witness a fierce battle between these rivals...Pelicans will need to summon all their strength to fend off Rockets...Rockets' red glare will shine bright in the Pelicans' dark arena...(Let's hope the Pelicans have some tricks up their sleeves tonight)
Best Rockets at Pelicans Odds
| Underdog New Orleans Pelicans | Favorite Houston Rockets |
|---|---|
| Over | Under |
|---|---|
| TBD | TBD |
|---|
Matchup Odds FAQs
The Houston Rockets are -9.5 -110 point spread favorites at BetMGM, while the New Orleans Pelicans are +9.5 -110 point spread underdogs at BetMGM.
The best over line is 235.5 -115 points at BetMGM, which means you risk $115 to win $100 betting the over. The best under line is 235.5 -105 points at BetMGM, and that means you risk $105 to win $100 betting the under.
NBA Odds Example
|
Game |
 BetMGMBet |
|---|---|
Rockets
Pelicans
12/18/25 8:10pm EST | -9.5 -110+9.5 -110 |
Underdog New Orleans Pelicans - New Orleans Pelicans bettors risk $100 to win $90.91 at -110 odds.
A +9.5 New Orleans Pelicans underdog bet wins if they lose by 9 or fewer, tie, or win outright. Your bet loses if they lose by 10 or more.
Favorite Houston Rockets - Houston Rockets bettors risk $100 to win $90.91 at -110 odds.
A -9.5 Houston Rockets favorite bet wins if they win by 10 or more. Your bet loses if they win by 9 or fewer, tie, or lose outright.
Houston Rockets at New Orleans Pelicans Prop Bets
| BetMGM Bet |
|
|---|---|
Rockets
Pelicans
Game to Overtime
12/18/25 8:10pm EST | Yes +1400No -5000Bet |
Rockets
Team Total Points
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 122.5 o -120122.5 u -105Bet |
Pelicans
Team Total Points
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 112.5 o -120112.5 u -105Bet |
Aaron Holiday
Points Scored
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 7.5 o -1257.5 u -105Bet |
| BetMGM | |
Alperen Sengun
Points Scored
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 23.5 o -10523.5 u -130Bet |
Amen Thompson
Points Scored
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 17.5 o -12517.5 u -110Bet |
Derik Queen
Points Scored
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 12.5 o -12512.5 u -105Bet |
Herbert Jones
Points Scored
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 7.5 o -1457.5 u +110Bet |
| BetMGM | |
Jabari Smith Jr
Points Scored
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 15.5 o -10515.5 u -130Bet |
Jeremiah Fears
Points Scored
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 12.5 o -13512.5 u +100Bet |
Jordan Poole
Points Scored
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 13.5 o -12013.5 u -110Bet |
Jose Alvarado
Points Scored
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 5.5 o -1405.5 u +105Bet |
| BetMGM | |
Josh Okogie
Points Scored
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 7.5 o -1187.5 u -110Bet |
Kevin Durant
Points Scored
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 24.5 o -12024.5 u -110Bet |
Reed Sheppard
Points Scored
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 11.5 o -13011.5 u -105Bet |
Saddiq Bey
Points Scored
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 10.5 o -11010.5 u -120Bet |
| BetMGM | |
Steven Adams
Points Scored
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 5.5 o -1355.5 u +100Bet |
Trey Murphy III
Points Scored
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 18.5 o -10518.5 u -125Bet |
Zion Williamson
Points Scored
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 18.5 o -11018.5 u -118Bet |
Alperen Sengun
Points, Rebounds & Assists
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 39.5 o -11539.5 u -115Bet |
| BetMGM | |
Amen Thompson
Points, Rebounds & Assists
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 30.5 o -10530.5 u -130Bet |
Herbert Jones
Points, Rebounds & Assists
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 11.5 o -15511.5 u +115Bet |
Jabari Smith Jr
Points, Rebounds & Assists
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 23.5 o -12523.5 u -105Bet |
Trey Murphy III
Points, Rebounds & Assists
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 26.5 o -11026.5 u -118Bet |
| BetMGM | |
Zion Williamson
Points, Rebounds & Assists
HOU at NOP 12/18/25 8:10pm EST | 26.5 o -12526.5 u -105Bet |
Team Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Away | Div | Conf | PPG | Op. PPG | Diff | Strk | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Rockets | 22 | 13 | 0.629 | +8.0 | 11-2 | 11-11 | 2-4 | 12-12 | 118.5 | 110.7 | +7.8 | L2 | 5-5 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 9 | 31 | 0.225 | +23.5 | 6-17 | 3-14 | 3-6 | 4-23 | 114.8 | 122.3 | -7.5 | W1 | 1-9 |
Houston Rockets & New Orleans Pelicans Futures Odds
Latest NBA Championship odds, if available, for each team. Review odds for other teams and learn how to bet on the NBA Championship. See past Championship results and learn how to bet NBA Finals teasers, props and parlays.
Houston Rockets Championship Odds|
Team | BetMGM |
|---|---|
| Rockets | +1300 Bet |
|
Team | BetMGM |
|---|---|
| Pelicans | +100000 Bet |
Houston Rockets & New Orleans Pelicans Team Pages
Review each team's season win total odds, futures odds, betting bonuses and other valuable information on our exclusive team betting odds pages. Team betting odds and stats update throughout the season:
How to Bet on the Game
Time needed: 4 minutes.
How to Bet on the Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans NBA Game
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Open a new sports betting account before game time.
Review our list of sports betting sites. Open a new account before the game starts on Thursday, December 18th, 2025 at 8:10 pm EST, making sure to enter all your personal details correctly. Don't forget to add your bonus code.
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Visit the sportsbook’s cashier, banking, or deposit page.
Navigate to the sportsbook's deposit page. Use your Visa card or MasterCard, or deposit with a bank transfer, or other methods like Paypal.
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Tap to the sportsbook's NBA page, look for the Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Game.
Navigate to the sportsbook's NBA page. Next, look for live or upcoming matchups. Select the Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Game.
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Choose your bet and place a wager.
Choose your bet and then use the funds you deposited to place a wager. The sportsbook will pay your winnings or deduct a losing wager from your account balance after the game.
Other December 18, 2025 NBA Games
- Atlanta Hawks vs Charlotte Hornets
- New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers
- Miami Heat vs Brooklyn Nets
- Los Angeles Clippers vs Oklahoma City Thunder
- Washington Wizards vs San Antonio Spurs
- Toronto Raptors vs Milwaukee Bucks
- Detroit Pistons vs Dallas Mavericks
- Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz
- Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns
- Orlando Magic vs Denver Nuggets
- Sacramento Kings vs Portland Trail Blazers