New Orleans Pelicans vs Boston Celtics Betting Preview
March 18, 2018
Date & Time: Sunday, March 18 @5:00 PM
Venue: Smoothie King Center (New Orleans)
Head to head record
Boston Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans 113-116 (2017/2018 NBA)
Boston Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans 117-108 (2016/2017 NBA)
New Orleans Pelicans vs Boston Celtics 106-105 (2016/2017 NBA)
Boston Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans 104-97 (2015/2016 NBA)
New Orleans Pelicans vs Boston Celtics 93-111 (2015/2016 NBA)
New Orleans Pelicans vs Boston Celtics prediction
Boston Celtics will be looking to keep their hopes of finishing the regular season in top position in the Eastern Conference alive with a win over New Orleans Pelicans, who head into Sunday’s game following a 107-101 loss to Houston Rockets.
Pelicans eyeing a place in play-offs
New Orleans Pelicans have been having their ups and downs in the 2017/2018 NBA campaign and, as a result, they have yet to book their place in the Western Conference play-offs. Pelicans sit in eighth place in the standings ahead of the visit of Boston Celtics, but they have recorded only two wins more than ninth-placed Los Angeles Clippers. Key player De Marcus Cousins remains in the recovery room and he will not return to the court this season. As before, Anthony Davis is playing the main role in Alvin Gentry’s team and all eyes will be on “The Brow” when Pelicans take on Celtics at Smoothie King Center. New Orleans want this win more than Boston as their participation in the NBA play-offs is in danger, thus the hosts are likely to leave their hearts on the court.
The likes of DeMarcus Cousins (achilles), Alexis Ajinca (knee), Frank Jackson (foot) and Solomon Hill (hamstring) are all out of contention through injury ahead of Sunday’s game.
Three consecutive wins on the road
Boston Celtics were more than unfortunate to lose Gordon Hayward, with the former Utah Jazz ace breaking his ankle in the season opener against Cleveland Cavaliers. Brad Stevens’ men, though have been producing fine performances in the NBA this term and they totally deserve to sit in second place in the Eastern Conference with 13 games to go until the end of the season. However, Boston will have to be at their sharpest in the season finale if they are to overtake Toronto Raptors in top position in the standings, which is easier said than done. Celtics head into Sunday’s game against New Orleans following a 92-83 win over Orlando Magic where Monroe and Rozier scored 17 points each. Al Horford, who has been averaging 12.9 points and 7.6 rebounds this season, should pose a big threat for Pelicans, but it remains to be seen if the former Atlanta Hawks power forward and his teammates are going to record their fourth consecutive win on the road.
Jabari Bird is rated doubtful, while Kyrie Irving should be fit to face New Orleans Pelicans. Marcus Smart, Daniel Theis, Jaylen Brown and aforementioned superstar Gordon Hayward remain in the treatment room.
Interesting Facts
- Celtics are on a three-game winning run on the road
- Pelicans are after their 19th home win of the season
- In their last meeting in New Orleans Pelicans emerged triumphant
- Anthony Davis has been averaging 28 points this season
- Boston are considered the third best travelers in the league (24-9)
New Orleans Pelicans vs Boston Celtics betting pick
Both New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics are determined to win Sunday’s game and, no doubt, an entertaining game is on the cards. However, considering that Pelicans do not seem to be on top of their game at the moment, I am tempted to put my money on Celtics, who have been impressive on the travels this term.
Pick: Boston Celtics to win
Odds: +129
