The set-up: The Pelicans have to adjust to the idea that Anthony Davis will soon be leaving the team. He won't be suiting up here. It's going to be all hands on deck though as New Orleans tries to gain an identity moving forward. In this contest anyways, I think the Pelicans rally and at the very least, keep this one competitive against a Rockets team which I predict will get caught looking past its lowly opponent. The Pelicans' have lost three straight, but Jrue Holiday looked decent after posting 29 points, seven boards and three assists in the losing effort. He'll be leaned upon heavily moving forward. The Rockets continue to win, but it was anything but easy in their latest 103-98 victory over the lowly Magic at home. I think James Harden and company are starting to run out of gas and there's no question in my mind that this one actually sets up as a bit of a "trap" for the home side.

The-pick: Take it for what you will as well, but New Orleans is 8-4 ATS this year trying to revenge a same season loss vs. an opponent, while Houston is just 3-4 ATS this season as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points. No upset, but closer than expected. Grab the points.

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