Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 1/26/20 Predictions & Odds

Celtics vs. Pelicans Prediction

Can the New Orleans Pelicans get their first win with Zion Williamson tonight when they play host to the Boston Celtics at 6PM ET?

Game Snapshot & Odds

515 Boston Celtics vs. 516 New Orleans Pelicans

Sunday, January 26, 2020

6PM ET – Smoothie King Center

TV: ESPN

Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new NBA Odds & Betting Page.

Public Betting Trends

According to the latest oddsmakers, the Celtics are favored on the road, as they are getting odds of -1.5 points against the Pelicans. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 231.5 points. The public betting currently has 71 percent going on the Celtics as the road 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.

Celtics heating up

Boston is coming off a 109-98 win at Orlando on Friday. The Celtics have won and covered the spread in three straight games coming into today. Boston is 30-14 on the season, 12-9 on the road, 26-16-2 against the spread and 24-20 with the under.

The Celtics are a strong defensive team, allowing just 105.3 points per game while holding opponents to 44.5 percent shooting. Offensively, the Celtics are putting up 112.4 points per game while shooting 46.1 percent as a team. Boston has Jayson Tatum (groin) and Jaylen Brown (ankle) both questionable to play tonight. Both sat out the last game. They each average over 20 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Kemba Walker is leading the team with 22.1 points and 5.0 assists per contest.

Pelicans drop another

New Orleans is 0-2 with Zion Williamson in the lineup after a 113-106 loss at home to Denver on Friday night. The Pelicans are now 17-29 on the season, 8-15 at home, 22-22-2 against the spread and 26-20 with the over.

The Pelicans are a solid offensive team, putting up 114.3 points per game while shooting 45.4 percent as a team. Defensively, New Orleans is 29^th in the league. They allow 117.6 points per game while opponents shoot 46.6 percent against them. Williamson is averaging 18.5 points and 6.5 rebounds through two games. Brandon Ingram is leading the team right now with 25.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per contest.

NBA Betting Trends

Boston

The Celtics are 6-2 against the spread in their last eight road games and 5-1 ATS in their last six Sunday games.

New Orleans

The Pelicans are 6-2 against the spread in their last eight home games and 6-2 ATS in their last eight games as a home underdog.

Prediction:

Boston just lit up New Orleans back on Jan. 11 with a 140-105 victory at home. Going on the road will be a tougher situation, especially if the Celtics are without two of their big three scorers. However, I still like the Celtics tonight. Williamson has played pretty well in his own right for New Orleans, but getting him to gel within the style the Pelicans have played all season has been a little problematic. The Pelicans offensive numbers have went down while their defensive issues continue. It will take some time for them to get back to full gear with Zion in the mix, so I expect their recent struggles to continue.

NBA Prediction: Boston Celtics -1.5