Zion, Pelicans go into Boston on a Roll

Led by Zion Williamson, the Pelicans (20-25 SU, 21-24 ATS) have won and covered three of their last four games to gain ground in the Western Conference standings. Williamson shoots for his 24th consecutive 20-point outing when New Orleans takes on the Celtics (23-23, 22-24). Boston opened as a 5.5-point favorite.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

Most of the early money has been on New Orleans, moving the line down to 4 by Sunday evening. The Pelicans were 2.5-point underdogs when these teams met last month in New Orleans, a game in which the Pels overcame a 24-point deficit to win 120-115 in overtime.

New Orleans News & Notes

Williamson is in the middle of a historic run, becoming the youngest NBA player ever to score at least 20 points in 23 consecutive games, and he’s only getting better. Zion poured in 38 points in Saturday’s 112-103 win over the Mavericks, one night after recording a career-high 39 points in a loss to the Nuggets. He was also incredibly efficient in those two games, scoring those 77 points on just 39 field-goal attempts.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker has also keyed the Pelicans’ 3-1 SU and ATS surge in their last four games, posting double-digit scoring totals in each of those contests. The combo guard, starting in place of injured point guard Lonzo Ball, is averaging 18 points per game and shooting 45.6 percent from the field during that span.

Ball (hip flexor) and backup center Jaxson Hayes (wrist) are both listed as questionable to return against Boston. Willy Hernangomez filled Hayes’ void behind starter Steven Adams on Saturday against Dallas, scoring five points and adding six rebounds in 17 minutes of action.

Boston News & Notes

The Celtics have played the most road games of any team in the NBA so far this season, but now they’re about to reap the dividends. Not only does tonight open a season-high seven-game homestand for Boston, the Celtics will do it in front of fans for the first time all year at TD Garden as approximately 2,200 spectators will be allowed to attend Monday’s contest.

Those fans will see a team that is showing signs of breaking out of a midseason slump that saw the Celtics lose 14 of 26 games over a six-week span. Boston went on a 19-0 run in the fourth quarter Saturday in Oklahoma City to rally for a 111-94 win over the Thunder, improving to 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS in its last five games. Jayson Tatum scored 20 points in the second half while Jaylen Brown added 25 in the win.

Trade deadline acquisition Evan Fournier might make his Boston debut Monday after sitting out Saturday due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. The shooting guard averaged 19.7 points and 30.2 minutes in 26 games with the Magic this season. Boston could use some added depth as it plays for the fourth time in six days, sixth in nine and ninth in 14.

Betting Pick: Celtics -4

Boston is finally building some momentum and should be able to comfortably handle a Pelicans squad that has won just six road games all year.