The New Orleans Pelicans (4-4) take on the Houston Rockets (4-3) in hopes of ending their losing streak as they battle in Texas. The Rockets are point spread favorites at -2.5 (-110) to win at home.

The Pelicans have lost their last three games heading into this matchup. Their recent defeat was a 122-101 blowout against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

A handful of players will be either out of the lineup or a game time decision. Most notably, CJ McCollum (21.7 PPG, Out) and Zion Williamson (21.8 PPG, GTD) are the biggest impacts here. At third in the Southwest Division and seventh overall in the West, they cannot afford to continue losing.

They average 108.2 points per game (26^th) and have an offensive efficiency rating at 108.3 (26^th). This shows they do a poor job at scoring and taking care of the ball.

On defense the Pelicans allow 115.2 points per game (19^th) and have an efficiency rating at 115.3 (15^th). They also do poorly on the other end of the court and are not consistent in their efforts.

The Rockets have won their last four games after losing their first three. Their most recent success was a 128-94 rout of the Los Angeles Lakers.

They are one step ahead of the Pelicans in the division, ranking second here and sixth overall in the West. The absence of Alperen Sengun (18.3 PPG, GTD) and Amen Thompson (6.3 PPG, Out) will potentially make an impact here.

They put up 112.5 points per game (15^th) and are efficient with a rating of 115.2 (10^th). This shows they do a solid job at scoring but also earning good looks.

Their defense allows 106.7 points a game (5^th) and has an efficiency rating of 109.2 (9^th). This is also appealing to see and likely why they have won lately with their streak.

MyBookie is showing the most recent odds for this matchup, with the Houston Rockets as slight favorites to win. Market insights suggest that the Rockets have a 65.1 percent chance to succeed on their home court.

The Pelicans have too many issues on both ends of the court and will potentially have too many key players absent from this game. By the looks of it, the Rockets have excellent momentum and will nearly have a complete roster to contend. Take the Rockets to potentially win by the spread.