Pelicans vs. Celtics Picks and Predictions for the NBA Game on January 01th, 2025

Arena and City where Pelicans vs. Celtics will be playing

The stage is set for an NBA game between the Pelicans and Celtics on January 01th, 2025, in New Orleans, LA at Smoothie King Center, and be sure to check out the picks and predictions to win with your bets.

Introduction to the Pelicans vs. Celtics betting tip and prediction

The Western Conference and Eastern Conference go head-to-head in this NBA showdown on January 01th, 2025, at 19:00. The Pelicans enters as 11.5 point underdogs in the contest. In the previous game between these two teams, the Pelicans were 13 point underdogs but lost the game to Celtics, 104-92. The over/under for the upcoming game is 232 points. In the previous meeting, the over/under was 198.5 points, and the under was victorious.

The 2024-2025 basketball season emphasizes the pivotal role of the 3-point shot in the game. Let's delve into how teams are performing from long range. The Pelicans are currently draining 34.5% of their 3-pointers, demonstrating their proficiency in long-range shooting. Meanwhile, the Celtics are impressively converting 36.5% of their shots from beyond the arc. In terms of shot selection, the Pelicans are dedicating 39% of their attempts to 3-pointers, while the Celtics are taking 54% of their field goal attempts from downtown.

New Orleans Pelicans

How are the Pelicans playing this season?

The Pelicans comes into this game with a 12-36 record, and they are currently 14th in the Western Conference standings. The Pelicans are 5-5 in their last 10 games.

Did the Pelicans win their most recent game?

No, Pelicans fell to the Mavericks, 137-136. Zion Williamson scored 25 points in the loss.

Best scorer for the Pelicans

The leading scorer for the Pelicans this season is Zion Williamson, who is averaging 23.6 points per game. Williamson also is the team leader in minutes played per game with 35.26. He scored 25 points on 9-for-17 shooting in his previous regular-season meeting against the Celtics. In the last game, he scored 50 points in DraftKings and 50.7 fantasy points in FanDuel.

Other Team Leaders for the Pelicans

Coming into the January 01th, 2025 contest, Zion Williamson leads the Pelicans with 8.2 rebounds per game. In the last match, he made 50 points in DraftKings and 50.7 fantasy points in FanDuel. Dejounte Murray has a team-high 7.6 assists per game. He scored 42.25 DraftKings points and 39 FanDuel fantasy game points in the last game. The steals leader for the Pelicans is Dejounte Murray (2.1 steals per game). He has 42.25 DraftKings fantasy points and 39 FanDuel fantasy points for the last game. In terms of swatting shots, Yves Missi is leading the way for the Pelicans with 1.5 blocks per game. His DFS production in the last game is as follows: 18.25 DraftKings fantasy points and 21.9 FanDuel fantasy points per game.

Pelicans Team Analysis

The Pelicans' point differential this season is -8.4 points per game, which ranks 29th in the NBA. They are averaging 109.7 points per game while allowing 118.1 points per game. In terms of 3-pointers, the Pelicans are making 12.2 shots per game, which ranks 25th in the NBA. From the free-throw line, the Pelicans are making 17 per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA.

Projected Pelicans Starting Lineup and Injuries

In their last meeting against the Celtics, the Pelicans' starting lineup consisted of Jonas Valanciunas, Zion Williamson, Herbert Jones, Trey Murphy and CJ McCollum. For the upcoming matchup, the Pelicans has the following injuries: Jordan Hawkins is questionable (illness), Brandon Ingram is out (ankle) and Herbert Jones isout (shoulder).

Boston Celtics

How are the Celtics playing this season?

The Celtics head this game with a 33-15 record, and they are currently 2nd in the Eastern Conference standings. The Celtics are 6-4 in their last 10 games.

Did the Celtics win their most recent game?

Yes, Celtics defeated the Bulls, 122-100. Jayson Tatum scored 23 points in the victory.

Best scorer for the Celtics

The leading scorer for the Celtics this season is Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 26.7 points per game. Jayson Tatum also leads the team in minutes played per game with 36.29. He scored 23 points on 10-for-17 shooting in his previous regular season meeting against the Pelicans. In the last game, scored 33 DraftKings fantasy points and 30.1 FanDuel fantasy points.

Other Team Leaders for the Celtics

Jayson Tatum is leading the way with 9 rebounds per game. In his last game of the season, he scored 33 points in DraftKings and 30.1 in FanDuel. Jayson Tatum is dishing out a team-high 5.4 assists per game. He has 33 DraftKings fantasy points and 30.1 FanDuel fantasy points scored in the last game. In terms of steals, the Celtics' leader is Jayson Tatum with 1.2 steals per game. His DFS points in the last match were the following: 33 DraftKings fantasy points and 30.1 FanDuel fantasy points. The blocks' leader for the Celtics is Kristaps Porzingis, who is sending back 1.3 shots per game. He scored 63.25 DraftKings fantasy points and 59.7 FanDuel fantasy points in his last game.

Celtics Team Analysis

The Celtics' point differential this season is 9 points per game, which ranks 3rd in the NBA. They are averaging 117.3 points per game while allowing 108.3 points per game. In terms of 3-pointers, the Celtics are making 17.8 shots per game, which ranks 1st in the NBA. From the free-throw line, the Celtics are making 16.5 per game, which ranks 19th in the NBA.

Projected Celtics' Starting Lineup and Injuries

In their last meeting against the Pelicans, the Celtics' starting five were Kristaps Porzingis, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. For the upcoming matchup, Celtics has the following injuries: Sam Hauser is questionable (hip), Al Horford is questionable (toe), and Anton Watson is out (thigh).

Bet suggestions for this game

Spread betting suggestion

With the Pelicans coming into this game as 11.5 point underdogs the suggestion is to bet at the Celtics.

Money Line betting suggestion

Pelicans are a 11.5 money line underdog for the game against the Celtics, and the suggestion is to pick the Celtics.

Over/Under betting suggestion

The over/under for the Pelicans and Celtics is 232 points, so the suggestion is to take the under.

Will there be Overtime?

Since the Pelicans and Celtics have combined for just 7 overtime games this season, overtime is not likely for the upcoming contest.