The New Orleans Pelicans (10-10) and their great offense welcome the Boston Celtics (10-10) and their tremendous defense. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, November 26, 2018.
Boston Celtics at New Orleans Pelicans ATS Odds
Both teams fell in their last outing. The Celtics (2.5-point favorites) were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks, 113-104, while the Pelicans (3.5-point underdogs) fell to the Washington Wizards, 124-114. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Boston game went 4 points over the projected point total of 213, while the New Orleans game went 0.5 points over the projected point total of 237.5.
Boston did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (12-13; 92.3 percent) while New Orleans did a terrific job of making free throws (17-21; 81.0 percent). Julius Randle put together a good game for New Orleans with 29 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum had a good outing for Boston, contributing 21 points.
The Pelicans dominated this series last year, taking both contests. In the last game, New Orleans won 108-89. New Orleans was successful at getting and making free throws. The Pelicans made 20 of their 25 free throws (80.0 percent), while the Celtics were just 10-20 (50.0 percent). This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Vegas has been spot on when predicting totals of Celtics games, with an even split between overs and unders. Boston heads into the game with records of 10-10 straight up (SU) and 7-13 against the spread (ATS).
Vegas has a tendency to set the total low when the Pelicans are involved, as 12 of their 20 games have gone over the O/U total. Additionally, New Orleans is 10-10 SU and 9-11 ATS.
Randle has really been playing well as of late for New Orleans, averaging 19 points,11.0 rebounds,4.0 assists over the last five games.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of New Orleans takes on the top-notch defense of Boston. The Pelicans rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while the Celtics are first in defensive efficiency.
Celtics at Pelicans ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Pelicans, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Celtics average 15.2 fast break points per game, which ranks 9 in the league. The Pelicans rank 23 in fast break points allowed per game (15.85).
- New Orleans ranks first in points in the paint per game (59.3) while Boston ranks last (40.0).
- The Pelicans rank fourth in rebounds per game (48.3) while the Celtics rank 24th in rebounds allowed per game (46.8).
- Boston ranks second in blocks allowed per game (4.0) while New Orleans ranks 21st (5.5).
- Boston ranks 10 in steals per game (8.1) while New Orleans ranks 24 in steals allowed per game (8.75).
- The Pelicans rank second in second chance points per game (17.3) while the Celtics rank 24th (11.9).
- The Celtics rank 5 in assists allowed per game (22) while the Pelicans rank 24 (25).
- Boston ranks 1 in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.75) while New Orleans ranks 8 (15.7).
- Boston ranks third in three pointers attempted per game (35.8) while New Orleans ranks 23rd (27.9).
- In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Boston is 5-2 and New Orleans is 2-0.
- In games where they score over 100 points, the Pelicans are 10-9 and the Celtics are 10-7.
- New Orleans is 5-4 ATS at home, while Boston is 3-9 ATS on the road.
- The Celtics have 6 overs and 6 unders in 12 road games.
- In 9 home games, the Pelicans have 5 overs, 3 unders and 1 push.
Bettings Trends:
- The Pelicans are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Celtics are 1-4.
- In their last five games, New Orleans has 4 overs and 1 under, while Boston has 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Pelicans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.6, up from 1.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 105.0 points per game (1.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 108.2 points per game (4.0 above their season average).
