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Pelicans vs. Rockets prediction: Houston to win, Kevin Durant projected for big game in Sunday's NBA matchup [1/18/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Jason Bevilacqua, Head of Content and Communities
Get New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets predictions for NBA Sunday.
The Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans will lock horns in NBA action at Toyota Center on Sunday, with tipoff at 7:00 PM ET.
Based on the latest simulation results and today’s injury reports, Dimers' proven NBA model predicts the Rockets as the most likely winner of the Pelicans vs. Rockets game.
This prediction follows the latest NBA Injury Report, which suggests the Rockets lineup will feature players like Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, while the Pelicans will look to Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy and Saddiq Bey.
This article offers further insights into Sunday's matchup, including an expanded look at the predicted score, best bets and player prop picks.
Pelicans vs. Rockets prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using innovative machine learning and statistical analysis, we have simulated the outcome of Sunday's NBA game between the Pelicans and Rockets 10,000 times as part of our NBA predictions coverage.
Our independent predictive model gives the Rockets an 84% chance of defeating the Pelicans. Our predicted final score has the Rockets winning 120-108.
According to our model, the Pelicans (+13.5) have a 56% chance of covering the spread, while the over/under total of 231.5 points has a 53% chance of staying under.
Pelicans vs. Rockets odds
We have researched the best NBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Pelicans | Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +13.5 (-110) | -13.5 (-108) |
| Moneyline | +570 | -750 |
| Total | o231.5 (-105) | u231.5 (-115) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Pelicans vs. Rockets picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Pelicans +13.5 | -110 |
| Moneyline | Pelicans | +570 |
| Total | Under 231.5 | -115 |
According to our NBA best bets, the top play to make on this game is Pelicans +13.5 at the spread.
Pelicans vs. Rockets player props
NBA prop bets are an enjoyable way to wager on the Pelicans vs. Rockets matchup without necessarily betting on the outcome. We have crunched the numbers to project how each team's leading players will perform at Toyota Center.
Zion Williamson is expected to lead the Pelicans with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, while Kevin Durant is projected to have 28 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the Rockets.
Check out our NBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's NBA first basket picks.
Pelicans prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Pelicans are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Williamson | 25 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 43 |
| Trey Murphy | 24 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 43 |
| Saddiq Bey | 15 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 27 |
| Jeremiah Fears | 14 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 28 |
| Derik Queen | 12 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 33 |
Rockets prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Rockets:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Durant | 28 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 50 |
| Alperen Sengun | 22 | 9 | 7 | 1 | 50 |
| Amen Thompson | 20 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 44 |
| Jabari Smith | 15 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 32 |
| Tari Eason | 14 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 31 |
Pelicans vs. Rockets game-day updates and essential details
Sunday's game between the Rockets and Pelicans at Toyota Center is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM ET.
- Who: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
- Venue: Toyota Center
Conclusion
We predict the Rockets, with an 84% win probability, will likely beat the Pelicans on Sunday, with Alperen Sengun projected for a game-high 50 fantasy points.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Pelicans vs. Rockets insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are drawn from up-to-date data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Jason Bevilacqua, an expert in MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS, and NFL, delivers game previews, best bets, and props. Since 2020, as Head of Social and Community at Dimers, he has contributed insightful articles utilizing data-driven models and simulations.
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