Celtics vs Pelicans Betting Preview: Which Team Can Stop the Skid?

Today’s Celtics vs Pelicans matchup sees the Celtics travel to New Orleans to take on Zion Williamson and the Pelicans for a Sunday afternoon matchup. The Celtics look to win back-to-back games for the first time since January 25th, and look to stop a 3-game losing streak on the road. The Pelicans have lost 5 of their last 6 games, including a disastrous collapse on Friday against the Suns.

Boston Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Odds and Information

• Matchup: Boston Celtics (15-14, 7-9 away, 4th in Eastern Conference) vs New Orleans Pelicans (12-17, 7-7 home, 12th in Western Conference)
• Date: Sunday, February 21st
• Time: 3:30 pm ET
• Location: New Orleans, Louisiana (Smoothie King Center)
• TV: ABC
• Spread: Celtics -2.5 (-110), Pelicans +2.5 (-110)
• Total: OVER 233 (-110), UNDER 233 (-110)
• Moneyline: Celtics -138, Pelicans +118

Celtics vs Pelicans odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Thursday, February 18 at 11:00 am ET. Click here for updated Celtics vs Pelicans odds.

Kemba Walker’s Return Sparks Better Play

Kemba sat out the first game of a back-to-back against the Atlanta Hawks, and the Celtics fell 122-114. In the rematch, Kemba suited up and scored 28 points to lead the Celtics, who had a much more balanced attack, with all 5 starters scoring at least 14 points. Scoring a lot of points will be necessary against the Pelicans, who rank 8th in the league in scoring, but rank towards the bottom in points allowed. Look for Kemba, Jayson Tatum and the rest of the Celtics to go to work on the offensive end.

Points, Points, More Points

It’s pretty simple, if the Pelicans are playing, you bet the OVER. Since the beginning of the 2021 calendar year, the OVER is 21-3 in Pelicans games. The Celtics do have a tough defense, ranking 6th in Points Allowed per game, but the Pelicans offense has been just as good, and Zion has been nearly unstoppable, averaging 26.6 ppg in February. On top of that, the Celtics are still without their defensive leader, Marcus Smart, who has been sidelined for 3 weeks with a calf tear. Without Smart, the Celtics defense has lacked the intensity Smart typically brought on that end.

The Pelicans offensive prowess, the return of Kemba Walker, and the Celtics’ defense missing Smart all points to the OVER being the best bet in this one. Don’t overthink this one.

Pooch’s Celtics vs Pelicans Picks

I will continue to ride with the OVER until the Pelicans give me a reason not to. I also like the Celtics to win the game. The Pelicans just seem to be lost on the defensive side at the moment. Take the Celtics to cover the 2.5 points and Jayson Tatum over 25.5 points.

• OVER 233
• Celtics -2.5
• Jayson Tatum OVER 25.5 points