Pelicans, Rockets Carrying a Huge Total

Before San Francisco and Kansas City dazzle football fans in the Super Bowl on Sunday, Zion Williamson hopes to have a similar impact on the basketball world as he leads the New Orleans Pelicans into Houston for a showdown with the Rockets. The No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft has looked sensational in his truncated debut, averaging 19.2 points and 7.8 rebounds in limited time.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Rockets opened as modest six-point favorites, and that line has actually dipped to -5.5 in many places. And you're not imagining things – the total for this one is actually 245. 

New Orleans Pelicans News & Notes

Williamson has given Pelicans fans and bettors a glimpse of why he was the first player taken last June, combining freakish athleticism with a deft shooting touch and bruising post play. Williamson is shooting a sizzling 62.5 percent from the floor and 66.7 percent from 3-point territory; his only weak spot: a 48-percent success rate from the foul line.

And Williamson isn't the only one who has excelled with his insertion into the New Orleans lineup. The Pelicans are averaging an incredible 129 points during the course of their three-game winning streak, with all three victories coming by at least 14 points. And the Pelicans have been the hottest cover option in the league over the previous 20 games at 15-4-1 ATS.

Houston Rockets News & Notes

The Rockets will have one fewer player to send at Williamson, with veteran center Clint Capela set to miss the contest with a bruised right heel. Capela has missed Houston's previous two games with the injury, and Rockets head coach Mike d'Antoni has told reporters he doesn't want Capela back in the lineup until he's at full health.

Fortunately, the Rockets still have the dynamic duo of James Harden and Russell Westbrook – but the Pelicans have actually done a good job against the NBA's leading scorer, "limiting" Harden to 34.0 points on 38.9-percent shooting in three meetings. Westbrook, on the other hand, has been a thorn in their side with averages of 27.0 points, 8.5 assists and 7.5 rebounds. 

Betting Pick: UNDER 245

This is a LOT of points – and even with their wide-open style of play, these teams have gone above 245 points just twice in their last 10 meetings. We'll roll with the UNDER here.