New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets Final Score & Over/Under Result — Jan 18, 2026

The opening quarter set the tone as a high-octane affair, with 62 combined points in Q1 alone, but it was the third quarter's defensive tightening that ultimately decided the night. Houston's 119-110 win over New Orleans came down to a 49-point Q3 slog that cooled what had been a scorching first half—one in which the teams combined for 118 points. That third-quarter slowdown proved decisive, as the Rockets never surrendered the lead and held the Pelicans to 30 points in the fourth despite a final-quarter burst of 62 combined points.

Jabari Smith Jr. carried Houston's offense with 32 points and 8 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun added 21 points and 8 boards. Amen Thompson chipped in 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists as the Rockets' depth kept New Orleans at arm's length. Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 21 points and 4 assists, and Zion Williamson posted 20 points and 6 rebounds, but they couldn't match Houston's balanced attack. Derik Queen rounded out New Orleans' effort with 15 points and 5 assists off the bench.

The combined 229 points landed well under the 232.5 market total, with DAGGER's pregame lean toward the under cashing home. New Orleans' porous defense (120.6 allowed per game over its last 10) suggested higher scoring, but the third quarter's defensive grind—stemming from both teams' recent forms and Houston's defensive push—proved the deciding factor.