NBA · Final

Rockets Edge Pelicans in Close Contest

105

107

Friday, March 13, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Toyota Center (Houston)

Houston Rockets 107, New Orleans Pelicans 105, 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 New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets?

Houston Rockets beat New Orleans Pelicans 107-105 at Toyota Center (Houston) on March 13, 2026.

Who was favored in New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets?

Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -225 (about 69% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested game at the Toyota Center, the Houston Rockets narrowly defeated the New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 107-105. This matchup was significant as it marked the fourth meeting between the two teams this season, with Houston now leading the series 3-1.

The Rockets entered the game with a home record of 41-25, showcasing their strength at home, while the Pelicans struggled with an away record of 22-46. Houston had a recent record of 6-4 over their last ten games but came into this contest on a one-game losing streak, having lost to the Denver Nuggets on March 12. They averaged 113.9 points scored and allowed 113.0 points during this stretch. Conversely, the Pelicans were in better form, boasting a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, including a two-game winning streak. They averaged 121.0 points scored and allowed 116.0 points during this period.

In terms of home and away performance, the Rockets had a home record of 4-1 in their last five games, while the Pelicans had a mixed away record of 3-3. The Rockets were looking to bounce back from their recent loss, while the Pelicans aimed to extend their winning streak.

Historically, the Rockets have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Pelicans, winning five of the last six matchups. In their last encounter earlier in the season, the Rockets secured a 119-110 victory on January 19, 2026. This trend added an extra layer of anticipation for this game.

Injury concerns loomed over both teams, with the Rockets' Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams listed as day-to-day due to various ailments. The Pelicans also had players Micah Peavy and Bryce McGowens dealing with day-to-day statuses, which could impact their performance.

The betting market reflected Houston's status as favorites, with DraftKings setting the spread at -5.5 in favor of the Rockets, while the total for the game was set at 230.5. The odds indicated confidence in Houston's ability to win, but the close scoreline suggested that the Pelicans were competitive.

As the game unfolded, the fourth quarter was particularly thrilling. The Pelicans led at various points, with Zion Williamson contributing crucial free throws to push New Orleans ahead. However, the Rockets responded with key plays from Jabari Smith Jr. and Kevin Durant, who ultimately sealed the victory with important free throws in the closing moments.

Fans watching the game were treated to a showcase of talent, particularly from the Rockets' stars, who delivered in high-pressure situations. The final moments were marked by a series of scoring plays that highlighted the intensity of the matchup, culminating in a narrow win for Houston.

Overall, the game was a testament to the competitive nature of the NBA, with both teams exhibiting their strengths and weaknesses. The Rockets will look to build on this victory as they continue their push for a strong finish to the season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	HOU -5.5	230.5 o -112 / u -108	New Orleans Pelicans +185 · Houston Rockets -225

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

Injury report

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

Leaders

PointsKevin Durant32Houston Rockets
AssistsAmen Thompson8Houston Rockets
ReboundsAmen Thompson12Houston Rockets
PointsDejounte Murray35New Orleans Pelicans
AssistsTrey Murphy III7New Orleans Pelicans
ReboundsHerbert Jones9New Orleans Pelicans

Recent form

Houston Rockets

Last 10: 6-4Streak L1113.9 scored · 113 allowed per game4-1 at home

L93-129at Denver NuggetsMar 12
W113-99vs Toronto RaptorsMar 11
L120-145at San Antonio SpursMar 9
W106-99vs Portland Trail BlazersMar 7
L113-115vs Golden State WarriorsMar 6
W123-118at Washington WizardsMar 3
L105-115at Miami HeatFeb 28
W113-108at Orlando MagicFeb 27
W128-97vs Sacramento KingsFeb 26
W125-105vs Utah JazzFeb 24

New Orleans Pelicans

Last 10: 7-3Streak W2121 scored · 116 allowed per game3-3 away

W122-111vs Toronto RaptorsMar 12
W138-118vs Washington WizardsMar 8
L116-118at Phoenix SunsMar 7
W133-123at Sacramento KingsMar 6
L101-110at Los Angeles LakersMar 4
L117-137at LA ClippersMar 2
W115-105at Utah JazzMar 1
W129-118at Utah JazzFeb 27
W113-109vs Golden State WarriorsFeb 25
W126-111vs Philadelphia 76ersFeb 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	New Orleans Pelicans	Houston Rockets
Field goals	37-84	40-94
Field goal %	44	43
Three-pointers	13-32	14-41
Three-point %	41	34
Free throws	18-26	13-17
Free throw %	69	76
Rebounds	48	52
Offensive rebounds	15	18
Defensive rebounds	33	34
Assists	19	25
Steals	7	8
Blocks	6	8
Turnovers	13	12
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	1	0
Points off turnovers	10	17
Fast-break points	14	15
Points in the paint	48	44
Fouls	19	21
Largest lead	4	11
Lead changes	9	9
Time in front	9	82

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter68-74Kevin Durant makes 26-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
3rd Quarter68-75Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter68-77Kevin Durant makes 12-foot fade away jump shot
3rd Quarter70-77Herbert Jones makes 3-foot driving dunk (Trey Murphy III assists)
3rd Quarter70-80Amen Thompson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Reed Sheppard assists)
3rd Quarter71-80Yves Missi makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter72-80Yves Missi makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter73-80Dejounte Murray makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter76-80Trey Murphy III makes 33-foot running jump shot (Dejounte Murray assists)
4th Quarter78-80Dejounte Murray makes 6-foot two point shot (Trey Murphy III assists)
4th Quarter78-83Reed Sheppard makes 26-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
4th Quarter80-83Karlo Matkovic makes 3-foot layup (Saddiq Bey assists)
4th Quarter82-83Dejounte Murray makes 13-foot fade away jump shot
4th Quarter83-83Dejounte Murray makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter83-86Jabari Smith Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
4th Quarter83-88Kevin Durant makes running layup
4th Quarter83-90Reed Sheppard makes 4-foot layup (Dorian Finney-Smith assists)
4th Quarter86-90Karlo Matkovic makes 24-foot three point jumper (Zion Williamson assists)
4th Quarter88-90Zion Williamson makes driving layup (Herbert Jones assists)
4th Quarter88-93Reed Sheppard makes 26-foot three pointer
4th Quarter88-94Reed Sheppard makes free throw flagrant 2 of 2
4th Quarter88-95Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter88-96Amen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter90-96Yves Missi makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Dejounte Murray assists)
4th Quarter92-96Dejounte Murray makes 11-foot two point shot
4th Quarter92-97Clint Capela makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter92-99Kevin Durant makes 2-foot running dunk (Amen Thompson assists)
4th Quarter95-99Karlo Matkovic makes 24-foot three point jumper (Herbert Jones assists)
4th Quarter97-99Dejounte Murray makes 6-foot two point shot
4th Quarter97-100Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter98-100Trey Murphy III makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter100-100Zion Williamson makes 2-foot driving dunk
4th Quarter102-100Dejounte Murray makes running layup
4th Quarter103-100Zion Williamson makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter104-100Zion Williamson makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter104-103Jabari Smith Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
4th Quarter104-105Kevin Durant makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Jabari Smith Jr. assists)
4th Quarter104-106Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter104-107Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter105-107Dejounte Murray makes free throw 1 of 2