Whether it’s boredom or fatigue or just a dip in form, the Boston Celtics have lost a little of their edge, but they can finish an erratic January on a high note tonight against Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans.
Though Boston is 5-4 in its last nine games, my Celtics vs. Pelicans predictions expect the visitors to show up here, led by two of their key difference-makers.
My NBA picks cast an eye over the top betting angles for this January 31 battle.
Celtics vs Pelicans prediction
My best bet
Jaylen Brown Over 21.5 points (-115 at bet365)
My analysis
Even after being named Eastern Conference Finals MVP and Finals MVP last season, Jaylen Brown can get a little lost in the shuffle when it comes to the NBA’s top-tier talent. But he’s been on a tear lately, and the Boston Celtics will be looking for a repeat performance tonight.
Brown, named an All-Star reserve this week, arrives in New Orleans on the heels of back-to-back 28-point games this week, including 10-for-18 shooting against the Houston Rockets on Monday, and he’s gone past this 21.5 O/U number in four of his past five contests.
It’s all the more impressive given Brown’s slump from downtown. He’s shot 27% from 3-point range this month, but he’s making up for it with his work in the paint. His free-throws are up from December as well, and he got to the line for 11 attempts in midweek against the Chicago Bulls.
He may not run into much resistance here. The New Orleans Pelicans’ defensive issues were glaring in a 137-136 loss to the Luka Doncic-less Dallas Mavericks this week, and Brown should be able to get whatever he wants on that end of the floor. This is the same New Orleans defense that also gave up 139 points to the Memphis Grizzlies last week.
Even with so many mouths to feed in this potent Boston offense, I expect Brown to have ample volume. He’s taken 18 or more shots in each of his last four games, while stepping up to paper over little slumps for Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday.
In what should be a high-scoring showdown, the Over on the Brown points prop has real value.
Celtics vs Pelicans same-game parlay
Jaylen Brown Over 21.5 points
Kristaps Porzingis Over 7.5 rebounds
Pelicans +10.5
Kristaps Porzingis should be riding high after a monster effort against Chicago last time out. Though his 34-point explosion was flashy, his work on the glass was just as impressive on the way to 11 boards – and I’m targeting his rebounds prop for my SGP.
He’s had eight or more rebounds in seven of his past 11 games, and he ended up with 11 boards in his last outing against New Orleans. With Daniel Theis doubtful, the Pelicans’ frontcourt depth takes a hit, and Porzingis has a path to another double-digit tally.
Despite Boston’s talent edge, a 10.5-point line overlooks New Orleans’ gritty effort at TD Garden earlier this month in a 120-119 loss. With the quartet of Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, C.J. McCollum and Trey Murphy III, the hosts have enough firepower to keep this close.
The Celtics have a healthy 17-6 road record, but three of those losses have come in January – and they’re 4-6 ATS in their last 10 contests.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Celtics vs Pelicans odds
Celtics vs Pelicans live odds
Celtics vs Pelicans opening odds
- Spread: Boston -11.5 (-110) | New Orleans +11.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Boston -550 | New Orleans +400
- Over/Under: Over 232.5 (-110) | Under 232.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Celtics vs Pelicans spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Celtics enter as big favorites, having won seven straight games against the Pelicans, but both teams are 19-28-1 ATS this season.
- Though New Orleans has lost four in a row, eight of its 12 wins have come at Smoothie King Center.
- The Under is 6-3-1 in the last 10 matchups between these teams, and it’s 7-3 in the Pelicans’ past 10 outings.
- Boston has scored 117 points or more in six of its last 10 contests – and in three of its last four road games.
Celtics vs Pelicans trend
The Pelicans have hit the 1H Over in 32 of their last 45 home games. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Celtics vs Pelicans
| Location | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA |
| Date | Friday, 1-31-2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBCS-Boston, Gulf Coast Sports |
Celtics vs Pelicans latest injuries
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