The New Orleans Pelicans (20-25) travel to Beantown Monday for a 7:30 p.m. ET meeting with the Boston Celtics (23-23) at TD Garden. Below, we analyze the Pelicans-Celtics odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
New Orleans has won three of its last four games and has covered six of the last eight since the All-Star break.
The Pelicans just defeated a Luka Doncic- and Kristaps Porzingis-less Dallas Mavericks 112-103 Saturday as 5.5-point home favorites.
Boston won back-to-back games to split its four-game road trip 2-2 straight-up (SU) entering Monday but are 3-1 against the spread (ATS) in those contests. Over the past two weeks, the Celtics are 3-5 SU and 4-4 ATS.
New Orleans stunned Boston by coming back from down 24 points to force overtime and won 120-115 as a 2.5-point home underdog Feb. 21.
Pelicans at Celtics: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Pelicans +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Celtics -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Pelicans +3.5 (-110) | Celtics -3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 230.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Pelicans at Celtics: Key injuries
Pelicans
- PG Lonzo Ball (hip) questionable
Celtics
- SG Evan Fournier (health and safety protocols) questionable
- PF Tristan Thompson (health and safety protocols) out
- PF Semi Ojeleye (hip) out
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Pelicans at Celtics: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Pelicans 116, Celtics 109
Money line (ML)
I give the PELICANS (+135) a real chance to steal this game because they do a good job defending what the Celtics do frequently.
Boston attempts the 9th-highest volume of mid-range shots, but the Pelicans are 5th in defensive mid-range field-goal percentage, according to CleaningTheGlass.com.
Also, New Orleans are monsters around the basket and thanks to PF Zion Williamson is 4th in the Association at paint points per game.
This is bad news for a Boston team which is 23rd in defensive field-goal percentage at attempts within five feet of the basket and 25th in second-chance points allowed per game.
BET PELICANS (+135) for a one-fifth-unit.
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Against the spread (ATS)
Definitely BET PELICANS +3.5 (-110) heavier than or instead of New Orleans’ money line.
According to CleaningTheGlass.com, the Celtics are 5-10 SU with the 21st-ranked ATS margin vs. teams that grade out top-10 in net points per 100 possessions.
New Orleans seems to be centering the offense more so around Williamson and his ability to wreak havoc on the opponent’s interior defense frees up open looks for SF Brandon Ingram and the Pelicans’ backcourt.
TAKE PELICANS +3.5 (-110) for 1 unit.
Over/Under (O/U)
Slight LEAN UNDER 230.5 (-110) for a quarter-unit because the previous Pelicans-Celtics game got into overtime and only went Over by five points.
New Orleans has played in the highest rate of Overs in the Association but is just 6-7 O/U as a road underdog this season.
Of all the options, my favorite bet is the Pelicans to cover, but if you must play the total, take the Under 230.5.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
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Also see:
- Bet Slippin’ Podcast: 2021 MLB National League Betting Preview
- Fournier to enter protocols, miss debut as Celtics add to most games lost (Celtics Wire)
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
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