NBA: Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview, Odds, Prediction

Both the Boston Celtics and the New Orleans Pelicans frustrate their fans this year. These two teams had high hopes for the 2022 NBA campaign. The Cs were hoping to get back to the top of the conference and even became a dark horse in the title race. At the moment, they are fighting to reach the playoffs. On the other side, the Pels were regarded as one of the most talented teams in the league, and everyone expected to see Zion back. With Ingram, Hart, and Nickeil-Walker, they were supposed to be playoff contenders. But that isn’t going to happen.

Preview

Boston Celtics (25-25, -200) lost to the Atlanta Hawks last night in Georgia, 108-92, snapping their two-game winning spark. That is the story of the Celtics’ entire season so far—two or three wins, then the same number of losses. It seems that they have neither the chemistry nor the quality to be a respectable force in the East.

After putting up 244 points combined in the previous two wins, they would score only 92 in Atlanta, and that’s the main reason for the loss. The Hawks had a flying start, winning the opening 12 minutes 32-20, yet the Cs returned in the third period. The terrible final sequence in which Cs delivered only 15 points and allowed 28 solved the game.

Jalen Brown had 26 points with 12 boards, Tatum had 20 and six rebounds with four assists, while Marcus Smart ended the night with 17. Robert Williams III posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

New Orleans Pelicans (18-30, +165) are slowly realizing that they won’t be able to reach the playoffs. Also, there are some rumors that they might make some radical moves during this trade deadline. Zion is probably not coming back this season, and to be honest, even if he returns, the question stands what impact would the former No.1 pick make.

Last night the Pels lost to the Nuggets at home, 116-105. The crucial period of the event was the third quarter, which ended 36-20 for the visitors. The Pels couldn’t do anything without Ingram on the field, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

Their top scorer was Herbert Jones with 19 points, Alexander-Walker and Hernangomez had 18, with the note that the Spanish international added 16 boards. Devonte Graham and Josh Hart shot threes 2-for-10, combining for 31 points, Graham 16, and Hart 15.

Head to Head Games

The first meeting occurred on January 17th in Boston, where hosts posted a routine win, 104-92. Tatum had 27 points for the Cs, while on the other side, the Lithuanian center, Jona Valanciunas, led the way with 22 buckets and 14 rebounds.

Prediction

The hosts have far too many injured players or those who aren’t 100% healthy. That should give a slight edge to the guests, who, even though they had to travel from Georgia to Louisiana, still have two superstars in the lineup – Tatum and Brown. Overall, they have a better team in the given circumstances, and our money in tonight’s clash would be on the Celtics. For those who are courageous, try with the Celtics covering a -5.5 point spread.

Picks: Celtics win

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