New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Picks and Prediction for Sunday January 18 2026

By: Eddie Kline Updated 01/21/2026, 02:42 PM ET

Pelicans Preview

The Toyota Center will play host to a Sunday night NBA battle between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Houston Rockets. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Pelicans (10-34) have dropped 16 of their first 19 road games and own the worst overall record in the NBA. On Friday, New Orleans allowed Indiana to shoot 51 percent from the field during a 127-119 road loss.

Former number one overall draft pick Zion Williamson tallied a team-high 27 points (10-12 FG), seven assists, and six rebounds. New Orleans F Trey Murphy III missed 14 of 21 field goal attempts and finished with 22 points. Saddiq Bey added 20 points and four boards for the Pelicans.

Rockets Preview

The Houston Rockets have won 13 of their first 16 home games and are tied with Los Angeles for fifth place in the Western Conference standings. The Rockets (24-15) rank sixth in the league in offensive efficiency and are averaging 117.1 points per contest. On Friday, Houston erased a 12-point deficit to earn a 110-105 home victory versus Minnesota.

All-Star F Kevin Durant matched a game-high with 39 points on 11-for-18 shooting and dished out seven assists. Houston C Alperen Sengun contributed 25 points (11-22 FG) and 14 rebounds. Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard added 14 points apiece for the Rockets.

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Pelicans vs Rockets Pick

Houston F Tari Eason (ankle) did not play in Friday’s victory and is listed as questionable for this contest. The Pelicans rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency and will not offer much resistance to the high-powered Houston offense. Look for the Rockets to cruise at home in a game that soars over the total. Final Score Prediction, Houston Rockets win 129-116.

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