Boston Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 29/01/2024, 07:17  by Joseph King | Modified on 29/01/2024 at 08:41 in NBA Predictions

The Boston Celtics will look to bounce back after a rare home defeat when they host the New Orleans Pelicans at the TD Garden on Monday. Boston suffered a 115-96 loss to the Clippers on Saturday in what was a real statement of intent by the scorching-hot Clippers. The Celtics are now left with the task of bouncing back in a positive manner to avoid losing two consecutive games for what would be only the second time this season. There’s certainly no need to sound the alarm bells as Boston still holds the league’s best record at 35-11. Additionally, their 20-2 mark at home is also an NBA best. The Celtics are still sweating the fitness of Kristaps Porzingis who missed out on the loss against the Clippers. The Latvian remains questionable which is a big loss considering he's chipping in 19.5 points per game on 52% shooting.

The Pelicans come to town boasting a 26-20 record which has them sitting seventh in the competitive Western Conference. They’ll be desperate to get back to winning ways here after suffering back-to-back defeats to two of the NBA’s top teams in the Thunder and the Bucks. They were held to only 83 points against a tough Thunder defense and lost 141-117 to the Bucks in their most recent performance. Things won’t get any easier here as they face the league’s best team in the Boston Celtics who are coming off a loss. To their credit, the Pelicans are likely better than their 26-20 record would suggest. They rank ninth in the NBA in terms of adjusted net rating (+3.7), ahead of teams like the Bucks, Suns, Pacers and Kings. They come into this contest completely healthy with no names on the latest injury report.