The New Orleans Pelicans (8-31) travel to face off against the Boston Celtics (27-11) on Sunday, January 12th. This game will be played at TD Garden in Boston and televised on NBCS. The Pelicans are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Celtics are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Celtics. Tip-off is set for 6:00 ET.
Pelicans vs Celtics
The Pelicans Are Coming Off A Win
The Pelicans improved to 8-31 on the season with a 123-115 road win over the 76ers on Friday. New Orleans entered the game as +7 point underdogs and covered the spread with the victory. The total score of 238 points exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 218.5 by 19.5 points.
New Orleans led 87-78 going into the 4th quarter, but the 76ers went on a 10-0 run to take the lead. The Pelicans responded by outscoring Philadelphia 36-37 in the final quarter to secure the win.
The Celtics Are Coming Off A Win
The Celtics dropped to 27-11 on the season after a 114-97 loss to the Kings on Friday. Boston, favored by 12 points at home, not only lost straight up but also failed to cover the spread. The total score of 211 points fell well short of the 226.5-point O/U line.
Boston went on a 10-0 run early, but after taking a 76-76 tie into the 4th quarter, they were outscored 38-21 in the final period. The Celtics had taken control in the 2nd quarter, outscoring Sacramento 28-19, but couldn’t maintain their momentum in the 3rd and 4th quarters.
Pelicans Offense Breakdown
CJ McCollum’s 38 points, including 6 threes at 54.5%, led the Pelicans to a win over the 76ers. He scored 18 points in the 1st quarter. Jordan Hawkins added 21 points, hitting 5 threes at 45.5%, with 10 points in the 4th.
The Pelicans made 18 threes, shooting 45% from deep and 48.4% overall. Dejounte Murray contributed 17 points, with 11 coming in the 3rd quarter.
Celtics Offense Breakdown
In Friday’s loss to the Kings, the Celtics managed just 97 points, shooting 40.5% from the field. Their struggles from beyond the arc were evident, hitting only 11 threes at a 26.8% clip.
Jaylen Brown led the way with 28 points, including 12 in the 4th quarter. Kristaps Porzingis added 22 points and 10 rebounds, connecting on 4 threes at 57.1%, while Jayson Tatum contributed 15 points and 12 boards.
Pelicans Team Defense
The Pelicans’ defense was strong in the 1st and 2nd quarters, allowing just 24 and 23 points, respectively, but they struggled in the 4th, giving up 37 points. Despite this, they held the 76ers to 115 points on 46% shooting.
From beyond the arc, the 76ers hit 14 threes at a 36% rate. The Pelicans sent them to the line 19 times, where they made 17 free throws. Defensively, New Orleans recorded 7 steals and 8 blocks.
Celtics Team Defense
The Pelicans’ defense was strong in the 1st and 2nd quarters, giving up just 24 and 23 points, respectively, but they struggled in the 4th, allowing 37 points. Overall, they gave up 115 points on 46% shooting from the field to the 76ers.
From beyond the arc, New Orleans allowed 14 threes on 36% shooting. Philadelphia also went to the free-throw line 19 times, making 17. The Pelicans finished the game with 32 defensive rebounds, gave up 11 offensive boards, and recorded 7 steals and 8 blocks.
Pelicans vs Celtics Trends
- When looking at their past five road matchups, New Orleans has an ATS record of 2-3 while averaging 111 per game. The team went 2-3 overall in these games.
- When looking at their past five home matchups, Boston has an ATS record of 2-2-1 while averaging 108 per game. The team went 3-2 overall in these games.
- As the betting underdog, the Pelicans have an ATS mark of just 2-3 in their last five games. New Orleans posted a straight up mark of 1-4 in these matchups.
- Across their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Celtics have an overall record of 3-2 while going 2-2-1 against the spread.
Pelicans vs Celtics Prediction
For a pick on the point-spread in this Celtics vs. Pelicans matchup, our bet is to grab the Pelicans at +14.5. Even though our projections have the Celtics winning 139-134, we see the Pelicans as the play on the point-spread.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 226, and our model projects the Pelicans and Celtics to reach a combined total of 273 points. Our bet is on taking the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:January 12, 2025 Celtics, Pelicans