The Boston Celtics (34-10) put their seven-game winning streak on the line when they challenge the New Orleans Pelicans (22-20) at TD Garden. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, and will air on NBATV.
Boston opened as a 4.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 214 points.
New Orleans Pelicans at Boston Celtics Betting Prediction
The last time the Pelicans played, they topped the New York Knicks, 123-118. The Pelicans knocked down 24 of their 34 free throws (70.6 percent), while the Knicks had a turnover percentage of 17.3 (above their season average of 13.6). With 48 points on 17-for-30 shooting, Anthony Davis was the game’s leading scorer.
The Celtics were victorious over the Philadelphia 76ers in their last game, 114-103. The Celtics held the 76ers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 7.9 (below their season average of 26.0). The 76ers also had a turnover percentage of 17.4 (above the 12.7 mark opponents have averaged against Boston this season). With 19 points and eight rebounds, Marcus Morris played well for Boston.
New Orleans could have a difficult time creating turnovers. Boston ranks eighth in the NBA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 13.6 percent), while New Orleans forces the sixth-fewest turnovers (13.5 percent). It will also be a battle of opposite styles as the fast-paced Pelicans rank fifth in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Celtics rank 24th.
New Orleans holds records of 22-20 straight up (SU) and 23-19 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Pelicans tend to finish over the total (59.5 percent).
Meanwhile, Boston is 34-10 SU and 27-15-2 ATS. In opposition of New Orleans, just over half of Celtics games have finished under the total.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last game, the Celtics won 117-108. Boston had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.3 vs. 22.0). New Orleans, on the other hand, did an excellent job of making free throws (18-23; 78.3 percent).
New Orleans Pelicans at Boston Celtics ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Pelicans, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, New Orleans is 13-9 ATS with 11 overs and 11 unders.
At home, Boston is 13-8-2 ATS with 12 overs and 11 unders.
When allowing under 100 points, Boston is 24-1 and New Orleans is 7-0.
The Celtics are 24-4 when they score above 100 points, while the Pelicans are 20-14.
New Orleans ranks second in points in the paint per game (50.4) while Boston ranks 28th (39.6).
The Celtics rank third in steals allowed per game (6.9) while the Pelicans rank 27th (8.9).
Boston ranks third in fast break points allowed per game (9.1) while New Orleans ranks 27th (13.8).
The Celtics rank second in assists allowed per game (19.8) while the Pelicans rank 23rd (24.0).
Boston ranks fifth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.9) while New Orleans ranks 25th (18.4).
The Celtics rank fifth in second chance points allowed per game (10.9) while the Pelicans rank 25th (13.4).
Boston ranks seventh in three pointers attempted per game (31.1) while New Orleans ranks 26th in three pointers allowed per game (30.9).
The Celtics rank eighth in rebounds per game (44.5) while the Pelicans rank 17th in rebounds allowed per game (43.4).
Boston ranks fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.1) while New Orleans ranks seventh (4.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, New Orleans is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Boston is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Pelicans have been outscored by an average of 1.4 points in their last five games. For the season, New Orleans has defeated opponents by an average of 0.0 points.
During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 100.4 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 93.0 points per game (4.7 below their season average).
