The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 13, 2026, in an interesting Western Conference matchup between a playoff contender and a team trying to finish the season strongly despite a difficult campaign.
Houston have been one of the most consistent teams in the West this season and remain firmly in the playoff race. The Rockets have built their success on a balanced roster, solid defense, and strong performances at home. Playing at Toyota Center has been a major advantage for Houston, where they have produced some of their most convincing wins this season.
The Pelicans enter the game with a different story. Their overall record has been disappointing, but the team has recently shown signs of improvement. New Orleans have managed to win several games lately and have started to play with more confidence on offense. Their recent victory over Toronto showed that they can compete with stronger teams when their key players perform well.
This matchup could turn into a competitive contest because both teams have different strengths. Houston rely on defensive discipline and efficient scoring from their star players, while New Orleans are capable of producing explosive offensive performances when their lineup is healthy.
The duel between Kevin Durant and Zion Williamson will likely be one of the main highlights of the game. Houston will also look to players like Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson for additional support, while New Orleans need consistent scoring from their core group to stay competitive.
Match Information
| Match | New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets |
|---|---|
| Date | March 13, 2026 |
| Time | 8:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Toyota Center |
| City | Houston, Texas |
| Competition | NBA Regular Season |
Current Season Record
| Team | Record |
|---|---|
| Houston Rockets | 40–25 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 22–45 |
Houston remain among the top teams in the Western Conference standings, while New Orleans sit near the bottom.
Pelicans vs Rockets Odds
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Spread | Rockets -7 |
| Spread | Pelicans +7 |
| Moneyline | Rockets -280 |
| Moneyline | Pelicans +230 |
| Total Points | 227 |
Houston enter the game as clear favorites, especially due to their strong home performances this season.
Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Total Meetings | 54 |
| Rockets Wins | 33 |
| Pelicans Wins | 21 |
Recent Meetings
| Date | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 19, 2026 | Rockets | 119–110 |
| Dec 19, 2025 | Pelicans | 133–128 |
The season series is currently tied, showing that both teams are capable of winning when they meet.
Recent Form
Houston Rockets – Last 5 Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 12 | vs Nuggets | Loss 93–129 |
| Mar 11 | vs Raptors | Win 113–99 |
| Mar 9 | vs Spurs | Loss 120–145 |
| Mar 7 | vs Trail Blazers | Win 106–99 |
| Mar 6 | vs Warriors | Loss 113–115 |
Houston have had mixed results recently but remain strong at home.
New Orleans Pelicans – Last 5 Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 12 | vs Raptors | Win 122–111 |
| Mar 9 | vs Wizards | Win 138–118 |
| Mar 7 | vs Suns | Loss 116–118 |
| Mar 6 | vs Kings | Win 133–123 |
| Mar 4 | vs Lakers | Loss 101–110 |
The Pelicans have actually shown better form lately with multiple wins in recent games.
Injury Report
Houston Rockets
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Jae’Sean Tate | Out |
| Alperen Sengun | Questionable |
Houston could adjust their lineup if Sengun is unavailable.
New Orleans Pelicans
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Bryce McGowens | Out |
The Pelicans enter the matchup with most of their core players available.
Key Player Stats
Houston Rockets
| Player | Key Performance |
|---|---|
| Kevin Durant | Averaging around 25 points in recent meetings vs Pelicans |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | Increasing offensive role |
| Amen Thompson | Strong playmaking performances recently |
Durant remains Houston’s primary scoring weapon in important games.
New Orleans Pelicans
| Player | Key Performance |
|---|---|
| Zion Williamson | Offensive leader |
| Trey Murphy | Key perimeter shooter |
| Dejounte Murray | Playmaking and scoring support |
New Orleans rely heavily on their main offensive trio.
Team Performance Comparison
| Category | Rockets | Pelicans |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 114.2 | 115.6 |
| Points Allowed | 110 | 120 |
| Three-Point Shooting | 36.4% | 34.5% |
| Defensive Ranking | Strong | Inconsistent |
Houston’s defense has been one of the biggest strengths of their season.
Players to Watch
Houston Rockets
- Kevin Durant
- Jabari Smith Jr.
- Amen Thompson
New Orleans Pelicans
- Zion Williamson
- Trey Murphy
- Dejounte Murray
These players could determine how competitive the game becomes.
Best Picks for Pelicans vs Rockets
| Market | Pick |
|---|---|
| Spread | Rockets -7 |
| Total Points | Over 227 |
| Player Pick | Kevin Durant Over 25 Points |
| Player Pick | Jabari Smith Jr. Over 15 Points |
Houston’s home form and scoring depth make them strong favorites.
Predicted Score
| Team | Score Prediction |
|---|---|
| Houston Rockets | 115 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 110 |
Final Prediction
The Houston Rockets have been one of the most reliable teams at home this season, and their defensive structure makes them difficult to beat at Toyota Center. Even though they are coming off a disappointing loss, Houston have the talent and depth to respond strongly.
The Pelicans have shown improvement in recent games and could keep the matchup competitive. However, Houston’s balanced roster and strong home record give them the advantage.
Prediction: Houston Rockets win and cover the spread in a competitive matchup.
