[Game Recap]

New Orleans Pelicans at Houston Rockets

Jan 18, 2026

Houston Rockets Edge Out New Orleans Pelicans 119-110 in Competitive Matchup

Game Summary

The Houston Rockets secured a 119-110 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Rockets showcased a solid performance, particularly in three-point shooting, making 13 threes at a rate of 36.1%, while the Pelicans struggled to keep pace despite a decent night from beyond the arc. New Orleans's 13 turnovers proved costly, as they fell short against a Rockets team that displayed efficient scoring and solid defense.

Top Performers

Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals, providing a significant defensive presence. Amen Thompson contributed 20 points and 8 rebounds, playing a crucial role in the Rockets' offensive strategy. For the Pelicans, Trey Murphy III was the standout with 21 points, while Zion Williamson added 20 points and 6 rebounds, but their efforts weren't enough to overcome the Rockets' balanced attack.

Odds Recap

The Houston Rockets entered the game as 13.5-point favorites and won by 9, failing to cover the spread. The Pelicans managed to stay competitive, ultimately covering the spread despite the loss. The game did not feature a total that was assessed, so no total outcome is available.

Prediction Recap

The model correctly predicted the Houston Rockets as the winner and hit on the moneyline. However, it missed on the spread, as the Rockets did not cover, falling short by 4. The prediction for the over/under was not applicable for this game.

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