Prop Bets: Houston Rockets VS New Orleans Pelicans 2025-12-18

NBA Showdown: Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Pelicans – A Statistical Soirée

The Houston Rockets (1.24 ML) and New Orleans Pelicans (4.2 ML) clash in a battle of contrasting narratives. The Pelicans, riding a three-game winning streak and boasting a league-best defensive rating (111.2 PPG allowed), are -9.5 favorites. The Rockets, fresh off an OT loss to Denver, lean on Alperen Sengun’s triple-double prowess (22.5 PPG implied) but face a daunting task against a Pelicans defense that’s stifled opponents like a poorly written sports analogy.

Key Numbers to Know:
- Spread: Pelicans -9.5 (-110) / Rockets +9.5 (-110)
- Total: 234.5 (Evens)
- Player Props:
- Alperen Sengun (HOU): Over 22.5 PPG (-110) – His 23.5 PPG/9.5 RPG line this season screams “over.”
- Zion Williamson (NOP): Under 18.5 PPG (-110) – Zion’s 18.5 PPG average is inflated by occasional 30+ outbursts; expect a “modest” 17.
- Trey Murphy III (NOP): Over 18.5 PPG (-110) – His 18.5 PPG/6.5 RPG consistency makes this a lock.

Why the Pelicans Cover the Spread:
Their defense, led by Sengun’s 1.5 SPG and 1.0 BPG, will smother Houston’s 102.3 PPG output. Zion’s bench role (post-weight-loss experiment) won’t hinder their offense—his 18.5 PPG/7.5 RPG still shine.

Why the Under Hits 234.5:
The Pelicans’ 108.1 PPG offensive average meets Houston’s 114.3 PPG defensive weakness. 234.5 feels high for a game where both teams’ defenses will likely play spoiler.

Prop Pick of the Night:
Sengun Over 9.5 Rebounds (-110): His 9.5 RPG line is a steal at -110. With 2+ BPG, he’ll dominate the glass.

Final Prediction:
New Orleans 112, Houston 103. Bet the Pelicans -9.5. And if you’re into chaos, dabble in Sengun’s triple-double (+550).

Note: This analysis assumes Zion doesn’t dunk on a fan. No guarantees. 🏀🔥

Created: Dec. 18, 2025, 4:27 p.m. GMT