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

The Boston Celtics bounced back recently from several shaky performances and are looking much better. However, that will be tested tonight as they host Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans in a game that promises a lot of fun. NBATV broadcasts this event, and it is the evening’s main event, according to the majority of the fans. This is the second clash in the 2020/21 season between the two sides, with the first one being extremely interesting. Let’s just hope that the second one will be at the same level.

Preview

New Orleans Pelicans (20-25, +155) won three of the past four, with the latest one at home against the Dallas Mavericks, 112-103. Zion was unstoppable in that match as well as in the one that preceded the same once they lost to the Nuggets in Louisiana.

Last year’s No.1 pick dropped 39 vs. Nuggets and 38 against the Mavs, with an incredible shooting percentage, 29-for-39. The rivals didn’t have any other solution on how to stop him but to make fouls, which is why Williamson visited the free-throw line 18 times, making 12 successful shots. This is the part of the campaign when he needs to step up and show his leadership; otherwise, the Pels won’t reach the playoffs, and more importantly, Zion’s development will stagnate.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker was once again very good, scoring 20 points, 18 of them behind the three-point line, all that in 32 minutes. Besides Ingram and Williams, he might be that missing piece in the Pelicans’ playoff puzzle, as the young Canadian plays very well in the past few games.

Boston Celtics (23-23, -175) won two in a row following their “meeting” in the locker room. Back then, the Cs were discussing between themselves what they need to do to improve the situation, which was by all measures, catastrophic. Instead of chasing the top three seeds, Boston is on the verge of the playoff zone, and could end up under the red line with a few losses.

The first step towards the recovery was a victory over the Bucks in Milwaukee, 122-114, and the second one, in OKC vs Thunder, 114-94. Against Oklahoma, the Celtics rallied back in the final period, outscoring the hosts, 35-14, winning the match solely because of that sequence.

There are some slim chances to see Evan Fournier debuting for the Cs in tonight’s matchup. The sharpshooting guard posted 19.7 points in 26 matches played for the Magic this year, with 46.1% shooting from the field.

Head to Head Games

Celtics lost the first game in New Orleans, 120-115, after overtime. The Cs allowed the Pelicans to erase a 24-point deficit and make one of their biggest comebacks ever. Tatum had 32 for the losing side, while Ingram scored 33 for the hosts.

Prediction

This is the ultimate test for Boston’s playoff ambitions and their overall condition. If they win, we might say that Brad Stevens’ team has some chances of saving this season. If they lose… well, that won’t be good for them and their fans. We believe that the hosts will defeat the Pels and get back where they belong, which is the top five places in the East. Boston plays at home; both Tatum and Smart are in solid shape, while on the other side, the Pelicans aren’t that good away from home.

Pick: Celtics win