Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Final Score & Over/Under Result — Dec 18, 2025

The third quarter became the crucible. Combined 70 points flowed in those twelve minutes—the game's most explosive stanza—and when overtime arrived, the Pelicans had just enough margin to survive Houston's furious comeback. New Orleans won 133–128 in a contest that flew well past the market total of 236.5, landing at 261 combined points for an OVER by 24.5.

Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Alperen Sengun added 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Amen Thompson chipped in 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. For New Orleans, Saddiq Bey paced the offense with 29 points and 9 rebounds, and Trey Murphy III scored 27 points. The first half stayed relatively contained at 112 combined points, but the second half spiraled into a scoring marathon: 126 combined points in the final two quarters plus overtime. The first quarter combined for 57 points, the second for 55, the fourth for 56, and then the extra session added 23 more. DAGGER leaned under pregame, and the call missed—the total exploded past the number in a tight, extended affair that required five full quarters to decide.