New Orleans Pelicans (8-31) vs. Boston Celtics (27-11)
January 12, 2025 6:00 pm EDT
The Line: Boston Celtics -14.5; Over/Under: 227
(Get latest betting odds)
The New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics meet Sunday in NBA action at the TD Garden. Here’s a Celtics vs Pelicans Prediction. This article will include a Celtics vs Pelicans Pick.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Trail Blazers, beat the 76ers, and they play the Bulls, Mavericks, and Jazz next. The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 107.5 points on 44.2 percent shooting and allowing 117.1 points on 48.5 percent shooting. CJ McCollum is averaging 22.7 points and 3.6 rebounds, while Zion Williamson is averaging 22.6 points and 7.7 rebounds. Brandon Ingram is the third double-digit scorer and Trey Murphy III is grabbing 4.7 rebounds. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 34 percent from beyond the arc and 76.3 percent from the free throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 36.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 42.7 rebounds per game.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
The Boston Celtics beat the Nuggets, lost to the Kings, and play the Raptors, Magic, and Hawks next. The Boston Celtics are averaging 118 points on 46 percent shooting and allowing 108.4 points on 45.2 percent shooting. Jayson Tatum is averaging 27.8 points and 9.3 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown is averaging 24.1 points and 5.8 rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis is the third double-digit scorer and Derrick White is grabbing 4.4 rebounds. The Boston Celtics are shooting 36.4 percent from beyond the arc and 79.3 percent from the free throw line. The Boston Celtics are allowing 35.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.9 rebounds per game.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The Celtics have won each of their last 13 games following a home loss.
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last 10 road games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Celtics have covered the spread in nine of their last 10 games as favorites following a home loss.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Pelicans have won seven of their last eight games against Atlantic Division opponents following a win.
- The Celtics have lost four of their last six games as home favorites.
- The road team has covered the spread in each of the Pelicans’ last four games.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five night games at TD Garden.
Boston Celtics Player Facts
- Jayson Tatum is one of only three players in the league to be leading his team for points, rebounds and assists this season.
- Derrick White ranks 11th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made Per Game (3.5) this season.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Trey Murphy III ranks 2nd amongst qualified Forwards for FT% (90.8%) this season.
- Yves Missi ranks 10th in the league for second-chance points (110) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Celtics rank 30th in the league for opponent free throw percentage this season (79.9%).
- The Celtics rank 1st in the league for three-point field goals made per game this season (18.0).
- The New Orleans Pelicans are the only team to lose a home game against the Raptors this season.
- The Pelicans rank 29th in the league for point differential per game this season (-9.7).
Celtics vs Pelicans Prediction
The Boston Celtics are more than capable of beating the breaks off of the Pelicans, so this line makes sense. The Pelicans have had issues sustaining success, they’re 3-15 SU on the road, and they’re 15-24 ATS on the season. However, the Pelicans are getting healthier, and it’s not a surprise they’ve won three of their last five games. Check the injury report before betting, as Murray and Zion were on it at the time of this writing. The Celtics are also 10-14 ATS in their last 24 games as a double-digit favorite. Heck, the Celtics just outright lost to the Kings as a double-digit favorite. Since April of last year, the Celtics have outright lost six times as a double-digit favorite. Too many points. Give me the Pelicans and the free buckets.
