Pelicans vs. Celtics Prediction
Can the Boston Celtics bounce back from a lopsided loss when they play host to the New Orleans Pelicans tonight at 7PM ET?
531 New Orleans Pelicans vs. 532 Boston Celtics
Saturday, January 11, 2020
7PM ET – TD Garden
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, the Celtics are the heavy favorite, as they are getting odds of -9.5 points against New Orleans. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 224 points. The public betting currently has 60 percent going on the Celtics as the home favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Pelicans playing well
New Orleans is coming off a 123-111 win at New York last night. The Pelicans have won seven of their last nine while going 8-0-1 against the spread during the stretch. New Orleans is now 14-25 overall, 7-13 on the road, 18-19-2 against the spread and 21-18 with the over.
The Pelicans are putting up 113.3 points per game this season while shooting 45.2 percent as a team. However, New Orleans is allowing 116.5 points per game, while opponents shoot 46.7 percent against them. The Pelicans will be without Derek Favors tonight due to a hamstring injury while both Jrue Holiday and Kenrich Williams are questionable to play. Brandon Ingram is leading the team this season with 25.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Holiday is averaging 19.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists per contest.
Celtics in a funk
Boston is coming off a 109-98 loss at Philadelphia on Thursday for a third straight loss and failed cover. The Celtics come into tonight’s game 25-11 overall, 14-3 at home, 20-14-2 against the spread and 21-15 with the under.
The Celtics are one of the better defensive teams in the league this season, allowing just 104.4 points per game while holding opponents to 44.2 percent shooting. Offensively, Boston is averaging 110.6 points per game while shooting 45.4 percent. Boston is led by Kemba Walker, who is averaging 22.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. Jayson Tatum is adding 20.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest.
NBA Betting Trends
New Orleans
The Pelicans are 5-0-1 against the spread in their last six games as an underdog and 6-1 ATS in their last seven games playing on no rest.
Boston
The Celtics have failed to cover in four straight home games and in four of their last five overall.
Prediction:
The Celtics haven’t looked good lately, losing three straight with two by double figures. Boston has been favored in all three, but their offense fell apart in two of the losses and their defense in the other. I think it could be a problem tonight as well. While the Pelicans are coming off a game last night, New Orleans is young and hungry. The Pelicans looks to have hit their stride and are playing some really solid basketball right now. If they are going to lose, I am confident that they will make this game competitive and have a chance to win late. I like the Pelicans’ youth and depth and to carry them to a cover.
NBA Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans +9.5