Houston Rockets
Basketball NBA Tip-off in: days hours minutes seconds
New Orleans Pelicans
  1. Prediction
  2. SGP Picks
  3. Odds
  4. Team Stats
  5. Player Stats
  6. Player Props
  7. Team News
  8. Lineups
  9. Injuries
  10. Rosters
  11. Standings

NBA Betting Preview: Rockets vs Pelicans

The Houston Rockets take the floor against the New Orleans Pelicans in this NBA game. Our betting preview features expert NBA predictions, betting tips, the latest odds, H2H stats, player stats, team news and confirmed starting lineups.

A High-Scoring Game On the Cards?

There’s juice available when it comes to backing Over 233.5 points between the Rockets and the Pelicans. Our prediction is priced up at -110 which looks well worth taking.

Feeling good about our Totals pick? Check out our in-depth BetMGM review, then grab the latest bonus promo code to get the best value on your wager.

7 Victories for Rockets in Previous 10 H2H Games

Houston Rockets were beaten in their previous three road games and the latest was at Ball Arena. Denver Nuggets claimed a 128-125 (OT) win. Alperen Sengun delivered an outstanding performance when registering a triple-double that consisted of 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

New Orleans Pelicans have triumphed in back-to-back games. The latest of these was on the road where Chicago Bulls were beaten 114-104 at United Center. Jeremiah Fears bagged 20 points, Trey Murphy had 20 points and 10 rebounds, with Zion Williamson recording 18 points.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The last matchup between the Rockets and the Pelicans saw the former win. It was a 146-117 scoreline at Toyota Center. The Rockets have enjoyed four consecutive victories against the Pelicans. They’ve landed 7 wins from the past 10 head-to-head matchups.

NBA W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Rockets logo Rockets 16 7 0.696 120.8 111.2 9.6 8-2 8-5 2-2 9-6 6-4 1L
Pelicans logo Pelicans 5 22 0.185 114.2 122.8 -8.6 3-12 2-10 1-6 2-19 3-7 2W
View Full Standings
Houston Rockets – Last 10 Games

6 wins and 4 losses in the past 10 games. The Rockets are averaging 116.8 points, 46.7 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 9.1 steals and 5.5 blocks while shooting 48.6% from the field and 78.2% from the free-throw line. The opposition have averaged 109.4 points and 37.0 rebounds per contest.

Kevin Durant is averaging 19.0 points, Amen Thompson 8.7 rebounds and Alperen Sengun 5.4 assists, while Aaron Holiday averages 2.6 (44.1%) 3-pointers made.

New Orleans Pelicans – Last 10 Games

The Pelicans have won 3 and lost 7 of their previous 10 contests. Averaging 123.6 points, 44.9 rebounds, 27.8 assists, 8.6 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 49.1% from the field and 81.2% from the free-throw line. Their opponents have an average of 125.2 points and 43.7 rebounds.

Trey Murphy is averaging 18.5 points, Saddiq Bey 7.8 rebounds and Derik Queen 5.4 assists, while Jose Alvarado has an average of 2.2 (37.9%) 3-pointers made.

Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction & Picks

Prepare for Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans with our expert betting guide featuring a trusted match prediction, likely scoreline, key player props and a well-crafted bet builder.

Game Prediction

We’re expecting Over 233.5 points to be scored by the two teams combined. There’s an attractive -110 for our pick and we’re anticipating that the scoreboard will tick over in this NBA game.

We closely track recent form and look for patterns that may impact the outcome. The same goes for injuries to key players. When combined with the most relevant NBA stats, this gives us a strong foundation for accurate basketball predictions.

Key Rockets vs Pelicans stats:

  • The 233.5 line has been covered in the last 6 Pelicans games at home.
  • The 233.5 line has been covered in 8 of the last 10 Pelicans games at home.
  • The 233.5 line has been covered in 11 of the last 20 Pelicans games.

Over 233.5 Probability

According to the top NBA betting sites, there’s a 52.4% likelihood of our pick landing a return. Our cappers think there’s a stronger chance of success and calculate the probability to be closer to 60%. It is the reason why we are recommending this wager.

Looking for Bigger Odds?

In order to land bigger odds on your Overs bet, it’s possible to combine this with the winning franchise. The Match Result & Total lines can provide a larger potential payout.

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Our Game Prediction
Over 233.5 Points @ -110 Bet Now BetMGM logo
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Gamble responsibly 18+. All odds are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change. To use the Bookmaker Live Streaming services you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Geo-restrictions apply.
Published 00:55, 18 December 2025

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Jeremiah Fears Over 2.5 Assists -152 BetMGM logo

Jeremiah Fears (Pelicans) has covered the 2.5 assists total in 5 of the past 5 games. On the basis of this stat, we can shoot for him to once again cover the Player Assists line and this is on offer at -152.

Latest Jeremiah Fears Player Prop Odds

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Kevin Durant Over 24.5 Points -110 BetMGM logo

Kevin Durant (Rockets) has racked up Over 24.5 points in 4 straight games on the road. We will therefore place a bet that he is able to cover the line for this Player Points wager which is available at odds of -110.

Latest Kevin Durant Player Prop Odds

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Same Game Parlay Picks

Totals Over 233.5
Spread Pelicans +10
Player Assists Jeremiah Fears Over 2.5

We’ve got a same game parlay with three options: Over 233.5, Pelicans +10 and Jeremiah Fears (Pelicans) to have Over 2.5 assists.

A same game parlay is a single event wager where you make predictions that are going to happen in a particular basketball game. Should a bettor get these selections correct, then they can achieve a good return from a small stake.

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Correct Score Prediction

Rockets Rockets logo 123 - 115 Pelicans logo Pelicans

If you want to take a chance on a correct score, then the Rockets to enjoy a 123-115 victory could be along the right lines. There are enormous odds for this particular outcome.

Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans Odds

The odds and lines are updated on a frequent basis. You might therefore find that they are different to the ones listed for the above betting predictions.

Rockets Win on the Cards According to the Books

Sportsbooks’ favorites Houston Rockets are regarded as likeliest victors for this NBA game and the -455 about them triumphing means a 82% chance based on their current Moneyline betting odds. New Orleans Pelicans are the underdogs at +350 and they’re regarded as least likely to win.

10 is the spread and 234.5 is the total points line. There is no denying the popularity of wagering on the Totals. If you fancy Over 234.5, this outcome can be backed at -110.

Basketball fans are spoilt for choice thanks to the hundreds of game lines and team props which are available for every event on the coupon. Head to the top betting sites and find the best value picks.

Betting Lines & Odds
Kevin Durant Favorite to Score the Most Points

The favorite to score most points is Kevin Durant. You can get -110 that he scores Over 24.5 points or -118 that he goes Under.

Player Points
Kevin Durant (Rockets)
Over 24.5
-110
Under 24.5
-118
BetMGM Logo
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 22.5
-105
Under 22.5
-123
BetMGM Logo
Trey Murphy III (Pelicans)
Over 18.5
-120
Under 18.5
-105
BetMGM Logo
Zion Williamson (Pelicans)
Over 17.5
-123
Under 17.5
-105
BetMGM Logo
Player Assists
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 7.5
+128
Under 7.5
-167
BetMGM Logo
Kevin Durant (Rockets)
Over 4.5
+136
Under 4.5
-179
BetMGM Logo
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 4.5
-149
Under 4.5
+115
BetMGM Logo
Derik Queen (Pelicans)
Over 4.5
-135
Under 4.5
+105
BetMGM Logo
Player Rebounds
Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
Over 9.5
-109
Under 9.5
-119
BetMGM Logo
Amen Thompson (Rockets)
Over 6.5
-152
Under 6.5
+116
BetMGM Logo
Jabari Smith Jr (Rockets)
Over 6.5
-104
Under 6.5
-127
BetMGM Logo
Derik Queen (Pelicans)
Over 6.5
-100
Under 6.5
-130
BetMGM Logo
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Smoothie King Center
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Pelicans Have Endured Eight Defeats in Previous Ten at Home

The Pelicans own a 2-8 mark in their past 10 home games, putting up 123.50 points per contest and giving up 128.20.

The Rockets have been on the losing end in three straight road games. They own a 6-4 mark in their past 10 games on the road, putting up 117.60 points on average and giving up 112.50.

When the teams last met at Smoothie King Center, the Rockets beat the Pelicans 130-128. Over the past 10 head-to-head meetings at Smoothie King Center, the Pelicans have collected six wins, while the Rockets have four.

Last 10 Games W-L P PF PA O233.5 U233.5
New Orleans Pelicans logo New Orleans Pelicans Home Stats 2-8 251.70 123.50 128.20 8 2
Houston Rockets logo Houston Rockets Away Stats 6-4 230.10 117.60 112.50 3 7
  • W-L = Wins-Losses
  • P = Avg. Points
  • PF = Avg. Points For
  • PA = Avg. Points Against
  • O233.5 = Games Over 233.5 Points
  • U233.5 = Games Under 233.5 Points
Last 5 & H2H
Team Stats

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Houston Rockets logo Houston Rockets Stats
New Orleans Pelicans logo New Orleans Pelicans Stats
Moneyline
  • 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
Moneyline
  • 3 wins and 7 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 2 wins and 8 defeats in the last 10 home games
Point Spread
Point Spread
Total Points
Total Points
Team Stats - Avg/Game
Team Stats - Avg/Game
Team News

Houston Rockets Player Stats & Roster

Player GP MIN TP TA PTS AST 3P REB BLK STL
Amen Thompson 22 36.41 381 116 17.3 5.3 0.4 7.7 0.5 1.3
Alperen Sengun 20 35.56 454 143 22.7 7.2 1.0 9.9 1.0 1.5
Kevin Durant 20 34.79 498 81 24.9 4.1 1.9 4.9 0.9 1.0

New Orleans Pelicans Player Stats & Roster

Player GP MIN TP TA PTS AST 3P REB BLK STL
Trey Murphy 25 35.47 528 88 21.1 3.5 2.7 6.5 0.2 1.7
Zion Williamson 11 30.49 239 43 21.7 3.9 - 5.6 0.5 1.5
Jordan Poole 9 29.5 159 31 17.7 3.4 2.8 1.7 0.3 0.6

Injuries & Suspensions

Houston Rockets Injury Table

Type
Name
Info
Dorian Finney-Smith
Injured
Fred VanVleet
Injured
Tari Eason
Injured

New Orleans Pelicans Injury Table

Type
Name
Info
Dejounte Murray
Injured

Starting Lineups

Both teams’ confirmed lineups will be published ahead of tip-off. There is also the chance to look at the lineups from the previous 10 games.

Previous Houston Rockets Lineups

15 Dec NBA
Rockets 125-128 Nuggets
11 Dec NBA
Clippers 113-115 Rockets
06 Dec NBA
Rockets 109-122 Mavericks
05 Dec NBA
Suns 98-117 Rockets
03 Dec NBA
Kings 95-121 Rockets
01 Dec NBA
Rockets 125-133 Jazz
30 Nov NBA
Rockets 129-101 Jazz
26 Nov NBA
Rockets 104-100 Warriors
24 Nov NBA
Rockets 114-92 Suns
21 Nov NBA
Nuggets 112-109 Rockets

Previous New Orleans Pelicans Lineups

14 Dec NBA
Pelicans 114-104 Bulls
11 Dec NBA
Trail Blazers 120-143 Pelicans
08 Dec NBA
Spurs 135-132 Pelicans
06 Dec NBA
Pelicans 101-119 Nets
04 Dec NBA
Timberwolves 125-116 Pelicans
02 Dec NBA
Timberwolves 149-142 Pelicans
30 Nov NBA
Pelicans 121-133 Lakers
29 Nov NBA
Pelicans 96-104 Warriors
26 Nov NBA
Grizzlies 133-128 Pelicans
24 Nov NBA
Bulls 130-143 Pelicans

NBA Table Select Season

East Atlantic W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Knicks 18 7 0.72 121 112.2 8.8 13-1 5-6 5-1 14-7 9-1 5W
Raptors 16 11 0.593 115.4 113.2 2.2 8-6 8-5 3-4 14-7 4-6 1W
Celtics 15 11 0.577 116.2 110.8 5.4 8-5 7-6 4-4 11-8 7-3 2L
76ers 14 11 0.56 116.8 115.8 1 8-7 6-4 5-2 12-10 5-5 1L
Nets 7 18 0.28 110.2 115.9 -5.7 3-10 4-8 1-7 6-13 4-6 1W
East Central W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Pistons 21 5 0.808 119.3 113 6.3 12-2 9-3 5-3 16-5 7-3 4W
Cavaliers 15 13 0.536 118.4 116.3 2.1 9-7 6-6 6-1 12-10 3-7 2L
Bulls 11 15 0.423 117.6 121.9 -4.3 7-6 4-9 2-5 8-10 2-8 1W
Bucks 11 16 0.407 113.9 117.7 -3.8 8-7 3-9 3-4 9-12 3-7 1L
Pacers 6 20 0.231 110.2 118.3 -8.1 5-9 1-11 2-5 4-11 4-6 2L
East Southeast W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Magic 15 11 0.577 117.9 114.1 3.8 10-5 5-6 5-2 12-9 6-4 1L
Hawks 15 12 0.556 118 117.4 0.6 5-6 10-6 4-1 9-8 5-5 1W
Heat 14 12 0.538 120.7 117.7 3 10-4 4-8 2-3 8-7 4-6 5L
Hornets 8 18 0.308 114.8 118.4 -3.6 5-8 3-10 1-4 7-12 4-6 1W
Wizards 4 20 0.167 112.8 126.7 -13.9 2-9 2-11 1-3 3-16 3-7 1W
West Northwest W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Thunder 24 2 0.923 123.1 106.3 16.8 12-1 12-1 5-1 20-2 9-1 1L
Nuggets 19 6 0.76 125.6 116.2 9.4 7-4 12-2 2-1 14-5 7-3 5W
Timberwolves 17 10 0.63 119.4 114.6 4.8 9-5 8-5 3-3 12-9 7-3 1L
Jazz 10 15 0.4 119 126.1 -7.1 7-7 3-8 0-5 6-11 5-5 2W
Trail Blazers 10 16 0.385 118.2 121.9 -3.7 4-6 6-10 3-3 8-11 3-7 1W
West Pacific W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Lakers 18 7 0.72 118.2 116.7 1.5 7-4 11-3 3-2 13-5 7-3 1W
Suns 14 12 0.538 114.8 114.5 0.3 8-5 6-7 5-3 13-11 4-6 2L
Warriors 13 14 0.481 114.4 113.2 1.2 7-4 6-10 3-1 10-9 4-6 2L
Kings 6 20 0.231 110.8 122.4 -11.6 3-8 3-12 1-3 4-17 3-7 3L
Clippers 6 20 0.231 111.3 116.8 -5.5 3-8 3-12 1-4 4-13 1-9 4L
West Southwest W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Spurs 18 7 0.72 119.7 115.2 4.5 9-2 9-5 7-0 12-6 7-3 3W
Rockets 16 7 0.696 120.8 111.2 9.6 8-2 8-5 2-2 9-6 6-4 1L
Grizzlies 13 14 0.481 114.4 115.2 -0.8 6-7 7-7 4-3 12-8 7-3 2W
Mavericks 10 17 0.37 112.9 116.8 -3.9 7-9 3-8 2-5 5-12 5-5 1L
Pelicans 5 22 0.185 114.2 122.8 -8.6 3-12 2-10 1-6 2-19 3-7 2W
Eastern Conference W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Pistons 21 5 0.808 119.3 113 6.3 12-2 9-3 5-3 16-5 7-3 4W
Knicks 18 7 0.72 121 112.2 8.8 13-1 5-6 5-1 14-7 9-1 5W
Raptors 16 11 0.593 115.4 113.2 2.2 8-6 8-5 3-4 14-7 4-6 1W
Celtics 15 11 0.577 116.2 110.8 5.4 8-5 7-6 4-4 11-8 7-3 2L
Magic 15 11 0.577 117.9 114.1 3.8 10-5 5-6 5-2 12-9 6-4 1L
76ers 14 11 0.56 116.8 115.8 1 8-7 6-4 5-2 12-10 5-5 1L
Hawks 15 12 0.556 118 117.4 0.6 5-6 10-6 4-1 9-8 5-5 1W
Heat 14 12 0.538 120.7 117.7 3 10-4 4-8 2-3 8-7 4-6 5L
Cavaliers 15 13 0.536 118.4 116.3 2.1 9-7 6-6 6-1 12-10 3-7 2L
Bulls 11 15 0.423 117.6 121.9 -4.3 7-6 4-9 2-5 8-10 2-8 1W
Bucks 11 16 0.407 113.9 117.7 -3.8 8-7 3-9 3-4 9-12 3-7 1L
Hornets 8 18 0.308 114.8 118.4 -3.6 5-8 3-10 1-4 7-12 4-6 1W
Nets 7 18 0.28 110.2 115.9 -5.7 3-10 4-8 1-7 6-13 4-6 1W
Pacers 6 20 0.231 110.2 118.3 -8.1 5-9 1-11 2-5 4-11 4-6 2L
Wizards 4 20 0.167 112.8 126.7 -13.9 2-9 2-11 1-3 3-16 3-7 1W
Western Conference W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Thunder 24 2 0.923 123.1 106.3 16.8 12-1 12-1 5-1 20-2 9-1 1L
Nuggets 19 6 0.76 125.6 116.2 9.4 7-4 12-2 2-1 14-5 7-3 5W
Lakers 18 7 0.72 118.2 116.7 1.5 7-4 11-3 3-2 13-5 7-3 1W
Spurs 18 7 0.72 119.7 115.2 4.5 9-2 9-5 7-0 12-6 7-3 3W
Rockets 16 7 0.696 120.8 111.2 9.6 8-2 8-5 2-2 9-6 6-4 1L
Timberwolves 17 10 0.63 119.4 114.6 4.8 9-5 8-5 3-3 12-9 7-3 1L
Suns 14 12 0.538 114.8 114.5 0.3 8-5 6-7 5-3 13-11 4-6 2L
Grizzlies 13 14 0.481 114.4 115.2 -0.8 6-7 7-7 4-3 12-8 7-3 2W
Warriors 13 14 0.481 114.4 113.2 1.2 7-4 6-10 3-1 10-9 4-6 2L
Jazz 10 15 0.4 119 126.1 -7.1 7-7 3-8 0-5 6-11 5-5 2W
Trail Blazers 10 16 0.385 118.2 121.9 -3.7 4-6 6-10 3-3 8-11 3-7 1W
Mavericks 10 17 0.37 112.9 116.8 -3.9 7-9 3-8 2-5 5-12 5-5 1L
Kings 6 20 0.231 110.8 122.4 -11.6 3-8 3-12 1-3 4-17 3-7 3L
Clippers 6 20 0.231 111.3 116.8 -5.5 3-8 3-12 1-4 4-13 1-9 4L
Pelicans 5 22 0.185 114.2 122.8 -8.6 3-12 2-10 1-6 2-19 3-7 2W
NBA W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Thunder 24 2 0.923 123.1 106.3 16.8 12-1 12-1 5-1 20-2 9-1 1L
Pistons 21 5 0.808 119.3 113 6.3 12-2 9-3 5-3 16-5 7-3 4W
Nuggets 19 6 0.76 125.6 116.2 9.4 7-4 12-2 2-1 14-5 7-3 5W
Lakers 18 7 0.72 118.2 116.7 1.5 7-4 11-3 3-2 13-5 7-3 1W
Knicks 18 7 0.72 121 112.2 8.8 13-1 5-6 5-1 14-7 9-1 5W
Spurs 18 7 0.72 119.7 115.2 4.5 9-2 9-5 7-0 12-6 7-3 3W
Rockets 16 7 0.696 120.8 111.2 9.6 8-2 8-5 2-2 9-6 6-4 1L
Timberwolves 17 10 0.63 119.4 114.6 4.8 9-5 8-5 3-3 12-9 7-3 1L
Raptors 16 11 0.593 115.4 113.2 2.2 8-6 8-5 3-4 14-7 4-6 1W
Celtics 15 11 0.577 116.2 110.8 5.4 8-5 7-6 4-4 11-8 7-3 2L
Magic 15 11 0.577 117.9 114.1 3.8 10-5 5-6 5-2 12-9 6-4 1L
76ers 14 11 0.56 116.8 115.8 1 8-7 6-4 5-2 12-10 5-5 1L
Hawks 15 12 0.556 118 117.4 0.6 5-6 10-6 4-1 9-8 5-5 1W
Heat 14 12 0.538 120.7 117.7 3 10-4 4-8 2-3 8-7 4-6 5L
Suns 14 12 0.538 114.8 114.5 0.3 8-5 6-7 5-3 13-11 4-6 2L
Cavaliers 15 13 0.536 118.4 116.3 2.1 9-7 6-6 6-1 12-10 3-7 2L
Warriors 13 14 0.481 114.4 113.2 1.2 7-4 6-10 3-1 10-9 4-6 2L
Grizzlies 13 14 0.481 114.4 115.2 -0.8 6-7 7-7 4-3 12-8 7-3 2W
Bulls 11 15 0.423 117.6 121.9 -4.3 7-6 4-9 2-5 8-10 2-8 1W
Bucks 11 16 0.407 113.9 117.7 -3.8 8-7 3-9 3-4 9-12 3-7 1L
Jazz 10 15 0.4 119 126.1 -7.1 7-7 3-8 0-5 6-11 5-5 2W
Trail Blazers 10 16 0.385 118.2 121.9 -3.7 4-6 6-10 3-3 8-11 3-7 1W
Mavericks 10 17 0.37 112.9 116.8 -3.9 7-9 3-8 2-5 5-12 5-5 1L
Hornets 8 18 0.308 114.8 118.4 -3.6 5-8 3-10 1-4 7-12 4-6 1W
Nets 7 18 0.28 110.2 115.9 -5.7 3-10 4-8 1-7 6-13 4-6 1W
Pacers 6 20 0.231 110.2 118.3 -8.1 5-9 1-11 2-5 4-11 4-6 2L
Clippers 6 20 0.231 111.3 116.8 -5.5 3-8 3-12 1-4 4-13 1-9 4L
Kings 6 20 0.231 110.8 122.4 -11.6 3-8 3-12 1-3 4-17 3-7 3L
Pelicans 5 22 0.185 114.2 122.8 -8.6 3-12 2-10 1-6 2-19 3-7 2W
Wizards 4 20 0.167 112.8 126.7 -13.9 2-9 2-11 1-3 3-16 3-7 1W
  • W = Wins
  • L = Losses
  • PCT = Winning Percentage
  • PPG = Points Per Game
  • OPP PPG = Opponent Points Per Game
  • DIFF = Average Point Differential
  • Home = Home Record
  • Road = Away Record
  • Div = Division Record
  • Conf = Conference Record
  • Last 10 = Record last 10 games
  • Strk = Current Streak