Pelicans Face a Tough Test at Home Against the Celtics

The New Orleans Pelicans are 0-3 SU and ATS in their last three games against the Boston Celtics. Zion Williamson will try to help the Pelicans pick up a win at home over the Celtics this Sunday night.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

On the morning of the game, both Jayson Tatum (groin injury) and Jaylen Brown (ankle injury) are listed as questionable. The line and total on this game could see major adjustments right up to game time as the status of two of Boston’s top-three scorers becomes clear. So far this season, the Celtics are 12-9 SU and 13-7-1 on the road.

Boston News & Notes

After enjoying fairly smooth sailing en route to a 24-9 SU and 21-10-2 start to the season, the Celtics suffered through their first sustained slump in early January going 2-6 SU and 3-5 ATS over an eight-game run that included four losses as a betting favorite. That slump came to an end with an emphatic win at home over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Boston crushed the Lakers 139-107 as Jayson Tatum led the way with 27 points in 29 minutes of play. This win has sparked a 3-0 SU and ATS run over the Celtics’ last three games which they have won by an average margin of victory of 22.3 points per game. The Celtics earned a 109-98 road win as a 2.5-point underdog in Orlando on Friday and will continue this tough road trip in New Orleans Sunday and in Miami on Tuesday.

New Orleans News & Notes

Zion Williamson dazzled the home crowd in his NBA debut on January 22, scoring 22 points in only 18 minutes of play including a 17-point performance in the fourth quarter. The red-hot rookie went a perfect 4-for-4 on three-point attempts and likely would have done a lot more damage down the stretch had he not been forced to watch the final five minutes of New Orleans’ 121-117 loss to San Antonio from the bench.

Williamson had 15 points in 21 minutes of play in Friday’s 113-106 loss to Denver. The home crowd in New Orleans is dying to see more of their young star chanting “we want Zion” at each of the team’s last two games, but head coach Alvin Gentry insists that limiting Williamson’s minutes as a rookie returning from injury is the right thing to do. The sensational 19-year-old will likely see another limited workload against Boston despite New Orleans’ 8-15 SU and 12-11 ATS record at home this season.

Betting Pick: Celtics -1

Boston is trying to win basketball games and improve its position in the Eastern Conference. New Orleans has a bright future, but in a present that includes holding Zion Williamson back, the Celtics are the safer choice.