Boston Celtics (33-15) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (12-36)
January 31, 2025 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: New Orleans Pelicans +10.5; Over/Under: 231.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Boston Celtics invade the Smoothie King Center to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. Here’s a Pelicans vs Celtics Prediction. This article will include a Pelicans vs Celtics Pick.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics have been in decent form as they’ve won four of their last six games overall and they will be looking to maintain that momentum after blowing past the Bulls in a 122-100 home win on Wednesday. Kristaps Porzingis led the team with 34 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists, Jaylen Brown added 28 points with six assists while Derrick White chipped in with 22 points and five assists. As a team, the Celtics shot 47 percent from the field and 18 of 44 from the 3-point line as they took control of the contest with a 41-point burst in the second quarter and they just kept their foot on the gas right till the end.
New Orleans Pelicans
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans have gone cold lately as they are now on a four-game losing streak after falling painfully short to the Mavericks in a 137-136 loss on Wednesday. Trey Murphy led the team with 32 points, six rebounds, and four assists, Zion Williamson added 29 points with seven assists, Dejounte Murray added 27 points with six assists while CJ McCollum chipped in with 23 points and eight assists. As a team, the Pelicans shot 53 percent from the field and 15 of 31 from the 3-point line as they got off to a quick start and took the fight to the Mavericks in a close contest, but they left their run too late as they cut a 10-point deficit to just one point before they ran out of time.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Celtics have lost six of their last seven games as favorites following a win.
- The home team has won six of the Pelicans’ last seven games.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine games as favorites following a home win.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in four of their last five home games against the Celtics following a home loss.
Why the Boston Celtics will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last eight games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Celtics have won each of their last seven games against the Pelicans.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The road team has covered the spread in five of the last six games between the Celtics and Pelicans.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Pelicans’ last six games as underdogs following a home loss has gone OVER the total points line.
- Nine of the Celtics’ last 10 road games against Southwest Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Pelicans vs Celtics Prediction
The Celtics could be shorthanded again with Sam Hauser listed as questionable, while the Pelicans have ruled out Daniel Theis and Brandon Ingram once again. The Celtics haven’t been at their absolute best lately, but they’re still winning games and they keep getting more players back from injury, while the Pelicans have lost their last four games as they struggle to deal with injuries to key players. The Pelicans’ backcourt duo may be able to keep the Pelicans close in the first half, but in the end, I think the Celtics pull away late and get the big win on the road.
