No team in the NBA has been better than the Boston Celtics this season, and they’ve shown no signs of slowing down with the playoffs on the horizon. This matchup comes at a tough time for the New Orleans Pelicans, who are hoping to climb a few more spots in the Western Conference.
The NBA odds have Boston favored by six points in a matchup headlined by two former Duke stars. Find out where my best bets lie in our NBA picks and predictions for Celtics vs. Pelicans on Saturday, March 30.
Celtics vs Pelicans predictions
My best bet: Jayson Tatum Over 26.5 points (-110 at bet365)
While he’s not going to win the NBA MVP, Jayson Tatum is the best player on the best team in the league, and the heart and soul of a squad favored to win the NBA title. The 26-year-old made his fifth All-Star team earlier this year and has the Boston Celtics 11 games ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference.
Behind Tatum’s play, no team in the East can even dream of catching the C’s, even after they’ve dropped two straight games. Prior to the losses, Boston had won nine straight. Since February 4, they’re 20-4 and Tatum’s been the main catalyst for their dominance.
He leads the team in points per game this season (27.3), 3-pointers made (3.1), and free throws made (5.7), but has been even better as of late. Tatum has had at least 30 points in five of his last seven games while averaging 31.3 per game over that stretch.
Continuing his impressive play will be tough against a New Orleans Pelicans defense that’s allowing the eighth fewest points per game in the NBA this season (110.4), but they’ve also struggled to contain talented 3-point shooters and have been iffy inside the arc at times.
New Orleans allows the sixth most 3-pointers per game in the NBA (13.4) and when it's not struggling on the perimeter against sharpshooters, the team can be had inside against talented mid-range players. The Pels allow the 11th-highest 2-point percentage in the league (55.1%) and Tatum can attack them in both ways.
He’ll surely have the opportunities to take advantage of New Orleans where he can, too. Tatum leads the Celtics in field goal attempts (19.5) and is 12th in the NBA in usage rate among players who have played at least 50 games (29.7%).
That should help Tatum push the limit against this defense and allow him to have his 36th game of at least 27 points this season.
Celtics vs Pelicans same-game parlay
Jayson Tatum Over 26.5 points
Zion Williamson Under 26.5 points
Kristaps Porzingis Over 1.5 points
New Orleans will be in for a difficult night against Boston, and not just because its offense ranks first in the league in rating (123.4). The Celtics are nearly as good on defense, sitting third in rating (111.8), second in field goal percentage allowed (45.4%), and second in blocks (6.5). It could be tough sailing for Zion Williamson as a result.
Williamson is averaging 22.8 points per game from his power forward spot, but that’s a position Boston has taken care of business against this year. The Celtics allow the second-fewest points to fours in the NBA (20.5) and have Kristaps Porzingis inside to make everything that much tougher.
Porzingis is averaging 1.8 blocks per game and the Pelicans are the 11th most blocked team in the league per game (5.2). That should have the former fourth-overall pick set up for his fourth straight game of at least two swats.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Celtics vs Pelicans odds and trends
Celtics vs Pelicans opening odds
- Spread: Boston -4.5 | New Orleans +4.5
- Moneyline: Boston -250| New Orleans +190
- Over/Under: Over 223 | Under 223
Celtics vs Pelicans spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Celtics opened favored by as few as 4.5 points, but the line has since shifted further in their direction, with most books offering Boston -6 to -6.5.
- Boston is 38-32-3 ATS this season while New Orleans is 41-31-1.
- The Over/Under opened as low as 223, with these being two of the better defenses in the NBA.
- The Celtics are 37-36 to the Over this season while the Pelicans are 31-41-1 O/U.
Celtics vs Pelicans betting trend to know
The Pelicans have only hit the game total Over in 34 of their last 80 games (-16.60 Units / -19% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Pelicans.
Celtics vs Pelicans game info
| Location: | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA |
| Date: | Saturday, March 30, 2024 |
| Tip-off: | 5:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBCS-Boston, Bally New Orleans |
Not intended for use in MA.
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