On the penultimate night of the 2025-26 NBA season, every team is in action, and the Boston Celtics will look to secure the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a win over the visiting New Orleans Pelicans.
Boston’s elite defense should slow down a shorthanded New Orleans offense, and my Pelicans vs. Celtics predictions call for a low-scoring affair at TD Garden.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference tilt on Friday, April 10.
Pelicans vs Celtics prediction
Pelicans vs Celtics best bet: Under 224 (-110)
With just two games remaining in the season, the Boston Celtics’ magic number to clinch the No. 2 seed is 1.
The C’s can fall to the No. 3 seed if they lose out and the New York Knicks win out, making tonight’s matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans meaningful.
I expect Boston’s defense to be engaged and put the clamps on a shorthanded Pelicans squad.
The Pels’ offense hasn’t lit the world on fire this season. The team ranks 17th overall in points per game (115.4) and 23rd on the road (112.4).
New Orleans ranks 20th in offensive rating overall (113.2) and 111.9 on the road.
New Orleans has hit the Under in 41 of 80 games.
Conversely, Boston sports one of the best defenses in the Association. The Celtics allow the fewest points per game (107) and own the fourth-best defensive rating (111.8).
The C’s also sport the slowest pace, and with a 29-51 mark, they’ve hit the Under at a higher percentage than any other team (63.8%).
New Orleans will be without Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, and Yves Missi, while key scorer Saddiq Bey is listed as questionable.
Rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen will have to shoulder the load offensively, and my money’s on Boston’s world-class defense locking down a road team led by a pair of rookies.
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Pelicans vs Celtics same-game parlay
The Celtics can clinch the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference and guarantee home-court advantage through the semifinals.
The Pels are simply playing for pride, but all of their starters are out, and they won’t have enough left in the tank to hang with the Celtics on the road.
The Celtics have covered the spread in two of three games as home favorites of 15+ points.
Neemias Queta recorded a double-double in his last game out, and he’s reached that statistical milestone in three of his last five games.
The big man should feast against a Pelicans frontcourt missing Yves Missi, Zion Williamson, and Karlo Matkovic.
Pelicans vs Celtics SGP
- Under 225.5
- Celtics -16
- Neemias Queta double-double
Our "from downtown" SGP: Baylor Makes Hay!
Derrick White has gone Under this combo line in 11 straight games, but he’s in a great position to buck that trend.
New Orleans’ defense has been poor all season, but the absence of multiple key defenders - especially at the guard position - will open up opportunities for White to score, rebound, and facilitate at a high level.
Baylor Scheierman tied his career high in scoring on Thursday, dropping 20 points in a loss to the New York Knicks.
I’m not chasing that production, but he should have more opportunities to build on this performance with Jayson Tatum out and Jaylen Brown banged up.
Pelicans vs Celtics SGP
- Neemias Queta double-double
- Derrick White Over 25.5 PRA
- Baylor Scheierman Over 18.5 PRA
Pelicans vs Celtics odds
- Spread: Pelicans +16 | Celtics -16
- Moneyline: Pelicans +850 | Celtics -1400
- Over/Under: Over 224 | Under 224
Pelicans vs Celtics betting trend to know
The Boston Celtics have hit the Game Total Under in 35 of their last 50 games (+18.50 Units / 34% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Celtics.
How to watch Pelicans vs Celtics
| Location | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date | Friday, April 10, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | Pelicans+, NBC Sports Boston |
Pelicans vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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