NBA Predictions: Will Celtics pick up win at Pelicans? 3/18/18

Celtics vs. Pelicans Pick

Are the Boston Celtics going to record the victory on the road today when they battle the New Orleans Pelicans at 6PM ET?

703 Boston Celtics at 704 New Orleans Pelicans, 6PM ET

CURRENT ODDS

According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Pelicans are a 1-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under is set at 215 points.

Bet NBA Action For Sunday, March 18, 2018

LINE MOVEMENT

New Orleans opened as a 3-point favorite before the spread grew closer, while the total has gone up slightly from 214.5. The Pelicans are a 1-point favorite at almost every book, but can be found at -1.5. The total is at 215.5 at many sportsbook, but can be bet between 215 and 216 if you shop around.

PUBLIC BETTING

As of Sunday afternoon, 58 percent of public bets have sided with New Orleans. Online wager info also shows that 57 percent of bets are coming in on the over.

INJURY TO WATCH

Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving (knee) and shooting guard Jabari Bird (back) are both questionable to play. Point guard Marcus Smart (thumb) is out indefinitely. Power forward Daniel Theis (knee) is out for the season, while shooting guard Jaylen Brown (brain injury) is out until late March. For the Pelicans, small forward Solomon Hill (hamstring) and point guard Frank Jackson (foot) are both out until late March.

BETTING STRATEGY

New Orleans is on a back-to-back after losing 107-101 at home to the Rockets last night. It was the Pelicans' four straight up loss in five games, while the game yesterday is the only one during the stretch in which it covered the spread. Boston has won seven of its last 10 games with the three losses coming by a combined six points. I like the fresher Celtics to get the job done here, but check on Irving's status as tip-off nears as his presence is vital.

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: BOSTON CELTICS +1

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