The Boston Celtics will take on the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on January 31, 2025. The game is set to begin at 8:00 PM. This matchup brings together two teams with very different records this season.
The Celtics have a strong record of 33 wins and 15 losses. They are currently ranked 2nd in the Eastern Conference. In their last ten games, they have a record of 6-4 and are on a one-game winning streak.
On the other hand, the Pelicans have struggled this season with a record of 12 wins and 36 losses. They sit at 14th in the Western Conference and have lost their last four games. Both teams will look to improve their standings with this matchup.
Pelicans Preview
The Boston Celtics come into this game with a strong record of 33-15, marking them as one of the top teams in the league. They have shown solid performance at home with a record of 16-9. Recently, they achieved a significant victory against the Chicago Bulls, winning by 22 points. This success highlights their ability to perform well in front of their home fans.
Key players for the Celtics include Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Tatum leads the team with an average of 26.7 points per game, showcasing his scoring ability. Brown is also a critical contributor, averaging 23.2 points per game. Kristaps Porzingis has also made an impact, recently scoring 34 points in a game. These players will need to maintain their form to secure a win against the Pelicans.
In their recent games, the Celtics have displayed a strong offensive strategy, averaging 117.3 points per game this season. They excel in shooting three-pointers, leading the league with 17.8 made per game. Their overall effective field goal percentage is 55.5, indicating efficient scoring. Defensively, they are solid, allowing only 108.3 points per game.
The Celtics will likely focus on their three-point shooting against the Pelicans, who struggle defensively. With their potent offense and strong defense, they aim to control the game. If they can execute their game plan and leverage their home court advantage, the Celtics will be in a good position to win this matchup.
Celtics Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans come into this game with a struggling record of 12-36. They currently sit at 14th place in the Western Conference. The Pelicans have faced challenges recently, losing their last four games. Their away record of 4-19 highlights the difficulties they have faced on the road.
Key players for the Pelicans include Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum. Williamson leads the team with scoring, often putting up solid numbers, including a recent game where he scored 29 points. McCollum also plays a crucial role, contributing an average of 22.0 points per game this season. These players need to rise to the occasion to help their team turn things around.
Offensively, the Pelicans average 109.7 points per game, which ranks them near the bottom of the league. Their field goal percentage is 44.5%, which indicates room for improvement. They have shown potential in offensive rebounds, averaging 12.1 per game. However, lackluster shooting from beyond the arc, at an average of 12.2 made three-pointers, has hindered their scoring efforts.
To compete effectively against the Celtics, the Pelicans will need to tighten their defense and capitalize on their offensive opportunities. They may focus on getting inside the paint and utilizing Williamson’s strength. With a concentrated effort on defense and more efficient shooting, the Pelicans aim to put an end to their losing streak in this matchup.
Statistical Breakdown for Pelicans vs Celtics
- Celtics Points Per Game: 117.3 (5th in the league)
- Celtics Points Allowed Per Game: 108.3 (5th in the league)
- Pelicans Points Per Game: 109.7 (24th in the league)
- Pelicans Points Allowed Per Game: 118.1 (26th in the league)
- Celtics Three-Pointers Made Per Game: 17.8 (1st in the league)
- Pelicans Three-Pointers Made Per Game: 12.2 (26th in the league)
- Celtics Free Throw Percentage: 79.4% (8th in the league)
- Pelicans Free Throw Percentage: 76.5% (25th in the league)
Betting Insights
As the Celtics prepare to face the Pelicans, betting trends reveal some important insights worth noting. The Celtics are favored significantly, thanks to their strong performance, especially at home. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have a rough patch that might influence how the odds play out in this matchup.
- Celtics ATS Record: 16-9-0
- Pelicans ATS Record: 11-13-0
- Celtics Home ATS Record: 13-1-0
- Pelicans Road ATS Record: 6-3-0
- Current ATS Streak for Celtics: 5-game winning streak
Free Betting Prediction for Pelicans vs Celtics
The matchup between the Boston Celtics and New Orleans Pelicans appears heavily tilted in favor of the Celtics. With the Celtics boasting a strong home record and the Pelicans struggling on the road, the Celtics are expected to maintain control throughout the game. Their recent victories, especially the notable win against the Bulls, show they are in good form, which could translate into another solid performance.
Key players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will be critical to the Celtics’ success. Their scoring abilities, along with the Celtics’ capacity to hit three-pointers, put them in a favorable position against the Pelicans. Meanwhile, the Pelicans will need a standout performance from Zion Williamson and an uptick in their shooting efficiency to keep the game competitive.
In conclusion, it is reasonable to expect the Celtics to win this game fairly comfortably. The combination of their overall record, playing at home, and the Pelicans’ current struggles suggest that the Celtics will dominate this matchup. The betting odds seem to reflect this, indicating confidence in the Celtics to cover the spread.
- Our Free Prediction: Celtics -11.0
