Rockets vs Pelicans Tips Predictions and Best Odds – NBA Friday Night March 13 2026
Houston are not rebuilding anymore. At 40-24 the Rockets are the fourth seed in the West and playing with the swagger of a team that believes it belongs among the elite. Toyota Center has become one of the toughest venues in the NBA – the young fans have fallen back in love with Rockets basketball and the noise on Friday nights is deafening.
New Orleans at 21-45 are broken. The Zion saga continues – healthy he is a force of nature, but he has missed the bulk of this season and his absence has exposed the Pelicans’ complete lack of depth. Brandon Ingram keeps producing offensively but he is essentially scoring into a void.
The gap between these two Southwest Division rivals has become a chasm. Houston at home are 22-9. New Orleans on the road are 8-25. That tells you everything.
Friday March 13 2026 – 20:00 ET (03:00 Saturday Kyiv) – Toyota Center, Houston
The Şengün Factor
Alperen Şengün is the most creative passing big man in the NBA. His 5.2 assists per game from the centre position break defences in ways that conventional offences cannot replicate. When Şengün catches at the elbow the entire defence scrambles – and his touch passes to cutters generate easy baskets at an elite rate.
Jalen Green has added the mid-range to his game. Amen Thompson provides transition explosiveness off the bench. This Houston team has depth and identity.
The Bets
| Market | Odds | Take |
| Houston -10.5 | 1.90 | Best bet – they dominate at home |
| Over 222.5 | 1.85 | Houston score 118+ at home routinely |
| Şengün DD | 1.65 | Almost guaranteed |
| Green 22+ pts | 1.80 | Averaging 26.1 at home in March |
Our Call: Houston 119-105 New Orleans
Şengün orchestrates the offence. Green finishes. Thompson runs in transition. The Pelicans hang around for a quarter then fold. Houston cover -10.5 and move closer to the third seed.
Best Bet: Houston -10.5 @ 1.90
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for this match? See the odds table above for our top pick with full reasoning.
What time does the match start? Check the kick-off time listed at the top of this preview.
