Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Prediction 01/26/20

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The Boston Celtics (30-14) will travel to the Smoothie King Center to challenge the New Orleans Pelicans (17-29). Action gets underway at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 26, 2020, and can be seen on ESPN.

Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans ATS Odds

The Celtics were victorious over the Orlando Magic in their last matchup, 109-98, despite being 3-point underdogs. The Pelicans, on the other hand, were topped by the Denver Nuggets, 113-106, and were unable to cover as 4-point underdogs. The Boston game finished 5.5 points under the projected point total of 212.5, while the New Orleans game went 10.5 points under the projected point total of 229.5.

Boston dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.547 (above their season average of 0.528) and a free throw rate of 0.174 (below their season average of 0.198). Orlando had marks of 0.467 and 0.156, respectively, for those same stats. New Orleans, on the other hand, was lights out from beyond the arc (12-27; 44.4 percent). New Orleans was led by Josh Hart, who contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Kemba Walker fueled Boston with 37 points and six assists.

In their first matchup this year, Jayson Tatum led the Celtics to a 140-105 win. He scored a game-high 41 points. Boston covered as a 12-point favorite and the two teams combined to put up 245 points, which was well over the projected point total of 223. The Celtics’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Pelicans. Boston had a rate of 8.5, while New Orleans posted a mark of 12.9.

Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of Celtics games, with 23 unders compared to 20 overs. Boston holds records of 30-14 straight up (SU) and 26-17-1 against the spread (ATS).

Vegas has a tendency to set the total low when the Pelicans are involved, as 56.5 percent of their games have gone over the total. Moreover, New Orleans owns records of 17-29 SU and 21-22-3 ATS.

It could be a sloppy game for the New Orleans offense. New Orleans ranks 23rd in the league in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.2 percent), while the gambling defense of Boston forces the fourth-most turnovers in the NBA (14.5 percent). Moreover, the Celtics’ fifth-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 110.7) will go head-to-head against the Pelicans’ 24th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 110.8).

Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans ATS Pick

NBA Tip: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Pelicans, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • The Celtics average 45.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA. The Pelicans rank 21st in rebounds allowed per game (46.2).
  • Boston ranks second in steals allowed per game (6.7) while New Orleans ranks 26th (8.3).
  • The Celtics rank sixth in fast break points per game (15.3) while the Pelicans rank 26th in fast break points allowed per game (15.1).
  • Boston ranks 10th in second chance points allowed per game (12.4) while New Orleans ranks 25th (14.2).
  • New Orleans ranks 12th in blocks per game (5.2) while Boston ranks 21st in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
  • The Celtics rank fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (43.0) while the Pelicans rank 28th (52.3).
  • The Pelicans rank fifth in three pointers attempted per game (38.3) while the Celtics rank 15th in three pointers allowed per game (33.4).
  • Boston ranks fifth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.9) while New Orleans ranks 26th (18.6).
  • Boston is 11-2 when they allow below 100 points, while New Orleans is 3-0.
  • In games where they score more than 100 points, the Pelicans are 17-26 and the Celtics are 29-8.
  • New Orleans is 11-12 ATS at home, while Boston is 13-7-1 ATS on the road.
  • The total has gone under in 13 of the Celtics’ 21 road games, while 13 of the Pelicans’ 23 home games have gone over.

Bettings Trends:

  • In their last five games, Boston and New Orleans have both had 3 overs and 2 unders.
  • The Celtics are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Pelicans are 3-2.
  • During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 121.8 points per game (9.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 110.2 points per game (5.0 above their season average).
  • The Pelicans have outscored opponents by an average of 0.4 points in their last five games. On the season, New Orleans has been defeated by an average of 3.3 points.