e Boston Celtics (12-3) will travel to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans (9-6) on Friday night.
Both the Celtics and Pelicans are off to strong starts this season. Boston has been arguably the best team in basketball, but New Orleans is a capable opponent at home.
The Celts enter play in the midst of an eight-game winning streak. They have lost just one of their NBA matchups during the month of November ahead of this contest with the Pelicans.
New Orleans has won three consecutive games leading into this affair. Although the NBA odds favor Boston, the Pelicans should not be ruled out.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM EST on Friday, November 18th, at the Smoothie King Center. Let’s take a look at the Celtics vs Pelicans betting odds, NBA picks, and predictions.
Last Game Records
The Pelicans are playing well, but their NBA schedule did not do them any favors by having them a matchup with Boston right now.
The Celtics are playing a dynamic brand of basketball and are the favorite despite playing on the road.
The Celtics most recently defeated the Hawks 126-101 in Atlanta. Meanwhile, the Pelicans most recently beat the Bulls 124-110 at their home arena.
And that all leads into this Friday night contest between Boston and New Orleans. Let’s take a closer look at the Celtics vs Pelicans betting odds.
Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Analysis
Boston Celtics
Before making the New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics prediction, we have to take a deep dive into this Celtics team.
Boston leads the NBA in points per game. However, last year they struggled at times to play with an offensive rhythm.
Celtics’ Early Season
They were often stagnant and played an individual brand of basketball, at least during their early season struggles.
But they are rolling so far this year. Boston is 10th in assists per game which is a testament to their chemistry and ball movement. The Celtics also rank third in field goal percentage and fourth in three-point percentage.
Jayson Tatum leads the team with 31 points per game. Jaylen Brown is right behind him with 25 points per contest.
Malcolm Brogdon is averaging just under 14 points per game, while Marcus Smart is averaging over 11 points and seven assists per contest.
Their NBA team stats and NBA player stats are impressive, to say the least. Boston will look to utilize their star power and efficiency to win on Friday.
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans injuries have stood out this season. After being hampered by the injury bug last year, they have remained mostly healthy this season.
However, Zion Williamson is currently dealing with an ailment (more on that later). The Pelicans come into this clash with the Celtics with the fourth most points per game.
Pelicans’ Averaging Numbers
They are also eighth in assists and seventh in rebounds per contest. They have also shot the ball well, ranking fifth in field goal and fifth in three-point percentage.
If New Orleans can limit turnovers, shoot efficiently from the field, and win the rebound battle, they will be in a good position to upset the odds. However, all of that is much easier said than done.
NBA Injury Report
As aforementioned, Zion Williamson is dealing with an injury. He is listed as questionable for Friday’s game with a right knee contusion.
The fact that he has not been ruled out is promising, but it will be a wait-and-see for Zion on Friday evening.
For the Celtics, Marcus Smart is also questionable due to an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Malcolm Brogdon is probable, while Robert Williams is reportedly going to return soon. But Williams’ timetable is still fairly unclear.
Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
After reviewing the Celtics vs Pelicans betting odds, it is time to make our official prediction for Friday night.
The Pelicans hold a decent amount of upset potential. However, betting against this scorching-hot Celtics team at the moment would be about as risky as it gets. And sometimes, taking a big risk is necessary for betting.
But other times, you simply have to roll with the team on an 8-game winning streak.
Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Prediction
Go ahead and place your money on the Boston Celtics in this Friday night NBA matchup.
NBA Pick: Celtics (-140)
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