The Boston Celtics (29-12 SU, 21-19-1 ATS) are 3-0 SU and ATS in their last three games against the New Orleans Pelicans (25-16, 21-20). The Celtics will look to extend that winning streak with a victory as a big home favorite Wednesday night in Beantown.
- Date/Time: January 11, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Arena: TD Garden
- TV Coverage: NBCS, BSNO
- Opening Pelicans vs Celtics Odds: Celtics -8.5 | O/U 230
- Pelicans vs Celtics Betting Matchup Report
Pelicans vs Celtics Opening Odds
The Celtics opened as 8.5-point favorites at home before receiving enough betting action to move the Pelicans vs Celtics odds up to Boston -9.5. The total in Wednesday’s matchup has settled in at 231.5 points after opening at 230 points. The UNDER is 5-1 in Boston’s last six games against New Orleans.
Get the best Pelicans vs Celtics odds and lines here!
New Orleans Has Struggled Without Zion Williamson
The Pelicans picked up a blowout victory on Monday night, rolling to a 132-112 win on the road over the Washington Wizards. CJ McCollum scored 34 points in 31 minutes and Jonas Valanciunas recorded a double-double with 27 points and 12 rebounds. The win and cover helped New Orleans snap out of a 1-4 SU and ATS skid over its previous five games.
New Orleans was on a 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS run prior to its current 2-4 SU and ATS swoon. Zion Williamson’s absence has contributed to the slump as the Pelicans star has been out of action since straining his hamstring in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 2.
The Pelicans could be dangerous this season if they can get Brandon Ingram and Williamson back in the lineup healthy, but both will miss this game due to their injuries.
Boston Has Hit An ATS Slump In Recent Weeks
The Celtics grinded out a 107-99 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night, just narrowly failing to cover the spread as a 9-point favorite. Jayson Tatum led the way with 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to help lead Boston to its third straight win. Marcus Smart missed the game with a knee injury and is listed as questionable to return on Wednesday.
Boston went on an impressive run from November 23 through December 7, going 8-1 SU and ATS over that nine-game stretch. The Celtics went just 1-5 SU and ATS over their next six games, and while they’ve gotten back on track in the win column with a 7-2 SU record in their last nine, they’ve gone just 4-5 ATS over that stretch. The team enters Wednesday night with a 1-5 ATS record over its last six games.
Pelicans Player Prop: CJ McCollum OVER 24.5 Points (-120)
With both Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram out, the Pelicans offense runs through CJ McCollum. McCollum is averaging 29 points per game through his first four games in January and he has scored at least 26 points in each of his last four games. That trend should continue against Boston.
Celtics Player Prop: Jayson Tatum OVER 4.5 Assists (-117)
Jayson Tatum has recorded more than 4.5 assists in two of his last three games, with eight against the Bulls and 10 against the Dallas Mavericks. With his point total set a bit too high to make for a strong play at 31.5 points, there seems to be more value on the assists prop.
Pelicans: Keys To Victory
The Pelicans have allowed 116 points or more in five of their last eight games. The team’s current form on defense likely won’t be enough to slow down the Celtics, so it may be up to CJ McCollum and the offense to score enough points to cover the spread or pull off an upset as a Pelicans vs Celtics prediction.
Celtics: Keys To Victory
Boston is just 1-8 ATS in its last nine games as a favorite of 6 points or more. The Celtics are the healthier team and they’ve got home-court advantage in this one, but they need to execute for all four quarters to cover this large spread as a Celtics vs Pelicans pick at home.
NBA Computer Pick: Celtics -8.5
Check out more of our signature NBA computer picks.
- New Orleans is 2-4 SU over its last 6 games.
- Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 home games.
- The OVER is 6-1 in New Orleans’ last 7 road games.
