NBA · Final/OT

Pelicans Edge Rockets in Overtime Thriller

128

133

Thursday, December 18, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · Smoothie King Center

New Orleans Pelicans 133, Houston Rockets 128, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans?

New Orleans Pelicans beat Houston Rockets 133-128 at Smoothie King Center on December 18, 2025.

Who was favored in Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans?

Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -410 (about 80% implied). The underdog won.

In a thrilling overtime contest, the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Houston Rockets 133-128 at the Smoothie King Center. This victory marks the Pelicans' second consecutive win, improving their record to 7-22, while the Rockets, who had been performing well with a record of 16-9, faced a setback after their recent loss. The Pelicans, despite their struggles throughout the season, showcased resilience and determination, particularly in the extra period of the game.

The Pelicans entered the match with a home record of 2-4 in their last six games, having recently won against the Chicago Bulls and the Portland Trail Blazers. Their scoring average over the last ten games was 123.6 points, while they allowed an average of 125.2 points, indicating a high-scoring yet defensively challenged team. The Rockets, on the other hand, had a more favorable away record of 3-3 in their last six, with an average of 116.8 points scored and 109.4 points allowed over their last ten games. They had been on a solid run, winning six of their last ten games but were looking to bounce back from their recent loss to the Denver Nuggets.

Historically, the Pelicans have struggled against the Rockets, leading into this game with a 0-4 record in their last four meetings. Their previous encounters included a 117-146 loss earlier in the season and a 97-109 defeat at home, highlighting the challenges they faced against this opponent. However, the Pelicans managed to turn the tide in this matchup, leveraging their home court advantage.

In terms of injuries, both teams had key players listed as day-to-day. For the Pelicans, Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens were both dealing with minor issues, while the Rockets had Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams all listed as day-to-day. The absence or limited availability of these players could have had implications on the game’s outcome, but both teams fielded competitive lineups.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Rockets favored by 9.5 points, with a total set at 236.5 for the game. The odds reflected the Rockets' stronger season performance, but the Pelicans' recent form and home advantage proved to be decisive factors.

The game conditions were typical for indoor basketball, with no adverse weather factors affecting play. Fans were treated to an exciting atmosphere as both teams vied for control throughout regulation and into overtime.

In the overtime period, the Pelicans managed to pull ahead with crucial free throws from Saddiq Bey and Jordan Poole, sealing their victory. The scoring plays in overtime were tightly contested, with Bey's driving jump shot and subsequent free throws helping to maintain the lead. The Rockets fought back with free throws from Kevin Durant but ultimately fell short.

This match showcased the Pelicans' ability to compete despite their overall record and highlighted the Rockets' need to regroup after a strong start to the season. As the Pelicans continue to build momentum, they will look to carry this victory forward in their upcoming games.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	HOU -9.5	236.5 o -108 / u -112	Houston Rockets -410 · New Orleans Pelicans +320

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Micah PeavyDay-To-DayRestNew Orleans Pelicans
Bryce McGowensDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets

Leaders

PointsSaddiq Bey29New Orleans Pelicans
AssistsJose Alvarado6New Orleans Pelicans
ReboundsDerik Queen12New Orleans Pelicans
PointsKevin Durant32Houston Rockets
AssistsAlperen Sengun8Houston Rockets
ReboundsJabari Smith Jr.12Houston Rockets

Recent form

New Orleans Pelicans

Last 10: 3-7Streak W2123.6 scored · 125.2 allowed per game2-4 at home

W114-104at Chicago BullsDec 15
W143-120vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 12
L132-135vs San Antonio SpursDec 9
L101-119at Brooklyn NetsDec 6
L116-125vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 5
L142-149vs Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 3
L121-133at Los Angeles LakersDec 1
L96-104at Golden State WarriorsNov 30
L128-133vs Memphis GrizzliesNov 27
W143-130vs Chicago BullsNov 25

Houston Rockets

Last 10: 6-4Streak L1116.8 scored · 109.4 allowed per game3-3 away

L125-128at Denver NuggetsDec 16
W115-113vs LA ClippersDec 12
L109-122at Dallas MavericksDec 7
W117-98vs Phoenix SunsDec 6
W121-95vs Sacramento KingsDec 4
L125-133at Utah JazzDec 2
W129-101at Utah JazzNov 30
W104-100at Golden State WarriorsNov 27
W114-92at Phoenix SunsNov 25
L109-112vs Denver NuggetsNov 22

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
San Antonio	-	20	L1	.756	62
Houston	10	30	W1	.634	52
New Orleans	36	56	L2	.317	26
Dallas	36	56	W1	.317	26
Memphis	37	57	L8	.305	25

Box score

Stat	Houston Rockets	New Orleans Pelicans
Field goals	50-107	49-97
Field goal %	47	51
Three-pointers	10-32	11-27
Three-point %	31	41
Free throws	18-27	24-28
Free throw %	67	86
Rebounds	58	41
Offensive rebounds	25	13
Defensive rebounds	33	28
Assists	30	27
Steals	6	15
Blocks	8	7
Turnovers	18	12
Team turnovers	2	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	1
Points off turnovers	16	20
Fast-break points	9	14
Points in the paint	66	64
Fouls	21	24
Largest lead	25	6
Lead changes	4	4
Time in front	82	12

How the scoring went

4th Quarter103-96Kevin Durant makes driving layup (Alperen Sengun assists)
4th Quarter104-96Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter104-97Jose Alvarado makes free throw 2 of 3
4th Quarter104-98Jose Alvarado makes free throw 3 of 3
4th Quarter104-100Derik Queen makes 1-foot layup (Jose Alvarado assists)
4th Quarter106-100Alperen Sengun makes 3-foot turnaround jump shot
4th Quarter106-102Saddiq Bey makes driving layup
4th Quarter108-102Alperen Sengun makes 3-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter108-104Derik Queen makes 1-foot driving dunk
4th Quarter110-104Amen Thompson makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Alperen Sengun assists)
4th Quarter110-105Trey Murphy III makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter110-106Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter112-106Kevin Durant makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Amen Thompson assists)
4th Quarter112-108Saddiq Bey makes driving layup
4th Quarter114-108Kevin Durant makes 17-foot fade away jump shot
4th Quarter114-110Trey Murphy III makes 12-foot driving floating jump shot
4th Quarter114-113Saddiq Bey makes 23-foot three point jumper (Trey Murphy III assists)
4th Quarter116-113Amen Thompson makes 11-foot step back jumpshot
4th Quarter116-114Trey Murphy III makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter116-115Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter117-115Steven Adams makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter117-117Saddiq Bey makes 2-foot two point shot (Jose Alvarado assists)
4th Quarter119-117Amen Thompson makes 1-foot two point shot
4th Quarter119-118Derik Queen makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter119-119Derik Queen makes free throw 2 of 2
OT121-119Alperen Sengun makes driving layup (Steven Adams assists)
OT121-121Herbert Jones makes 2-foot pullup jump shot (Derik Queen assists)
OT123-121Jabari Smith Jr. makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Steven Adams assists)
OT123-123Trey Murphy III makes tip shot
OT123-125Saddiq Bey makes 22-foot step back jumpshot (Jose Alvarado assists)
OT123-127Derik Queen makes 1-foot running dunk (Herbert Jones assists)
OT125-127Kevin Durant makes driving dunk
OT125-129Saddiq Bey makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot
OT126-129Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 3
OT127-129Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 3
OT128-129Kevin Durant makes free throw 3 of 3
OT128-130Jordan Poole makes free throw 1 of 2
OT128-131Jordan Poole makes free throw 2 of 2
OT128-132Saddiq Bey makes free throw 1 of 2
OT128-133Saddiq Bey makes free throw 2 of 2