Pelicans vs Rockets Prediction and NBA Tips - 19 December 2025
Last updated: Dec 19, 2025, 1:09AM | Published: Dec 18, 2025, 3:01PM
The New Orleans Pelicans will face the favoured Houston Rockets in NBA action at Smoothie King Center on Friday, beginning at 12:00pm AEDT.
With star players Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole, the Pelicans are looking to overcome a Rockets team that includes Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson.
This article features Stats Insider's free betting tips for the Pelicans vs Rockets game, plus the latest betting odds.
Who Will Win?
Using advanced machine learning and data, Stats Insider has simulated the outcome of Friday's New Orleans vs Houston NBA game 10,000 times.
Our independent predictive analytics model currently gives the Rockets a 75% chance of defeating the Pelicans at Smoothie King Center.
Pelicans vs Rockets: Odds
The latest betting odds in Australia for Friday's NBA game at Smoothie King Center are listed here:
- Head to Head: Pelicans $4.25, Rockets $1.24
- Line: Pelicans +9.5 ($1.91), Rockets -9.5 ($1.91)
- Total (Over/Under 236 Points): Over $1.91, Under $1.91
Odds are correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Looking at the latest head-to-head odds, the bookmakers currently have the Pelicans at $4.25 and the Rockets at $1.24.
The Pelicans are 9.5-point underdogs against the Rockets, with odds of $1.91 available at Bet365.
For the favourite Rockets (-9.5) to cover the line, Bet365 offers odds of $1.91.
The over/under for total points scored is set at 236 with Bet365, which has odds of $1.91 for the over and $1.91 for the under.
According to Stats Insider's model, the Pelicans (+9.5) are predicted to cover the line 56% of the time, while the 236-point over/under is expected to stay under 51% of the time.
Pelicans vs Rockets: Betting Tips
- Head to Head: New Orleans at $4.25 with Bet365
- Line: Pelicans +9.5 at $1.91 with Bet365
- Total Points: Under 236 at $1.91 with Bet365
These Pelicans vs Rockets best bets are based on complex simulations and betting experience to help you place better bets with your chosen online bookie.
While the Rockets have a higher chance of winning the game, betting on the Pelicans to win is our preferred option due to the 1.0% edge identified when comparing our data-driven probabilities to the odds currently on offer.
Taking advantage of the edges published here at Stats Insider is pivotal to achieving long-term success as a punter.
Pelicans vs Rockets: Prediction
Stats Insider's predicted final score for Pelicans vs Rockets at Smoothie King Center on Friday is the Rockets prevailing 121-113.
This prediction is based on each team's average score following 10,000 game simulations.
Stats Insider provides full coverage of the New Orleans vs Houston game on Friday, including data-driven predictions and the best betting tips.
For more detailed information on this matchup, check out Dimers' Pelicans vs Rockets prediction, put together by experts in the US.
Our model updates frequently, so keep checking this page for the latest betting predictions before the New Orleans vs Houston match-up.
As always, see Stats Insider's Best Bets for betting tips on every NBA game, as well as predictions for a wide range of other sports.
Pelicans vs Rockets: Essential Details
The NBA game between the Pelicans and Rockets at Smoothie King Center is scheduled to commence at 12:00pm AEDT on Friday.
- Teams: New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets
- Date: Friday 19 December 2025
- Time: 12:00pm AEDT
- Venue: Smoothie King Center
All dates and times mentioned in this article are in Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT), unless otherwise noted.
Conclusion
Our New Orleans vs Houston predictions are the result of 10,000 data-driven simulations of the game, carefully curated by our team of experienced data scientists and analysts. We use the latest in predictive analytics technology and machine learning to ensure our NBA tips are trustworthy and reliable, giving you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions with confidence.
If you choose to use our NBA predictions for betting purposes, it's crucial that you gamble responsibly and keep track of your money. For free and confidential support, call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
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