After a red-hot start to the season, the Boston Celtics are just .500 across their last 10 games. Fresh off a 17-point loss to the Kings, Boston will look to get back on track when the New Orleans Pelicans — winners of three of five — visit TD Garden tonight.
My Pelicans vs. Celtics predictions expect CJ McCollum to stay productive on offense in what should be a high-scoring affair.
Find out more in my NBA picks for January 12.
Pelicans vs Celtics prediction
My best bet
CJ McCollum Over 18.5 points (-130 at bet365)
My analysis
CJ McCollum leads the New Orleans Pelicans in scoring this season at 22.7 points, his most since joining the team.
The Pels have dealt with a number of key injuries throughout the season, but McCollum has been a steady presence on offense when available — and his scoring line is set incredibly low tonight.
Zion Williamson is expected back after getting suspended Friday, and Trey Murphy III should return following a three-game absence. That accounts for the dip in this line, even after McCollum scored 38 in Friday’s win over the 76ers.
Across his last eight, McCollum has averaged a whopping 28.5 points. He’s unlikely to push for monster numbers in this one if Williamson and Murphy III are back, but he can certainly score at least 19 points.
On the season, McCollum has hit the Over on this line in 18 of 26 games, including nine of 13 on the road.
The Boston Celtics rank sixth in defensive rating on the season, but Boston has fallen to 13th across its last five. This isn’t a scary matchup for McCollum, and I’m happy to take advantage of a comically mispriced line.
Pelicans vs Celtics same-game parlay
CJ McCollum Over 18.5 Points
Kristaps Porzingis Over 18.5 points
Over 226.5
Kristaps Porzingis has hit the Over on this one in 10 of 15 games this season, including five of seven at TD Garden. He’s been rolling since returning from a four-game layoff and has averaged 22 points across his last three.
The Pels have allowed the eighth-most points to opposing centers this season at 23.5, and this is an easy Over.
These teams have hit the Over in five of the last six head-to-head matchups, but I’m taking the Over here. Boston’s offense has been inconsistent over the last 10 games, but a meeting with New Orleans at home offers a chance to get back on track.
New Orleans’ offense has shown signs of life as the Pels rank 12th in offensive rating over the last five.
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Pelicans vs Celtics odds
Pelicans vs Celtics live odds
Pelicans vs Celtics opening odds
- Spread: New Orleans +14.5 | Boston -14.5
- Moneyline: New Orleans +700 | Boston -1100
- Over/Under: Over 224.5 | Under 224.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Pelicans vs Celtics spread and Over/Under analysis
- New Orleans has won and covered in three of five, bringing the team’s record to 8-31 straight up and 15-24 ATS.
- The Celtics are 27-11 straight up and 15-22-1 ATS on the season.
- The Pelicans have hit the Under in three of five, but the team is 20-18-1 to the Over this season.
- The Celtics have hit the Under in four straight and in 21 of 38 games in 2024-25.
Pelicans vs Celtics trend
The Pelicans’ last win against Boston came on March 29, 2021. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Celtics.
How to watch Pelicans vs Celtics
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date: | Sunday, 1-12-2025 |
| Tip-off: | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | GCSEN, NBCSB |
Pelicans vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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