Boston Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction, Odds & Player Props to Bet (Mar. 30)

• The Boston Celtics visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday evening
• The latest NBA odds favor Jayson Tatum and company by 6 points
• Read below for Celtics vs Pelicans prediction, odds and player props

The Boston Celtics (57-16) travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans (45-28) at Smoothie King Center on Saturday evening. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM ET and the game will be televised on NBA TV, BSNO, and NBCS-BOS.

The Celtics enter as 6-point road favorites with the over/under set at 223 points, according to Bet365. Player props have also been released, with Jayson Tatum and Zion Williamson sporting the highest point totals on the board.

Let’s delve into our Celtics vs Pelicans prediction as we analyze the odds and determine the best player props to wager on.

Boston Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans Odds

In the Celtics vs Pelicans odds, Boston is a -245 road favorite, giving them 71% implied win probability. Check out our NBA odds page for moneylines and spreads for all of Saturday’s games.

In the updated NBA Championship odds, Boston is the favorite at +212 average odds, while New Orleans is a +7000 longshot.

BET365
SPORTSBOOK

Offer

T&Cs

Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets or a First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000!

Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: SBDXLM

CODE: SBDXLM

SIGNUP PROMO

GET UP TO
$1,000 BACK

OR BET $5 & GET $150!

CLAIM OFFER

Odds as of March 30, 2024, at Bet365 Sportsbook. Claim the Bet365 promo code to bet on Celtics vs Pelicans.

Celtics Betting Trends

Boston enters this contest looking to bounce back after suffering consecutive road losses to the Atlanta Hawks. In their most recent defeat on Thursday, the Celtics fell 123-122 in overtime as heavy 16-point favorites.

It marked a rare non-cover for a Boston team that has been one of the best bets in the NBA this season, going 38-32-3 against the spread (ATS) overall and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games.

Offensively, the Celtics have been virtually unstoppable lately, eclipsing the 117-point mark in each of their past 11 outings dating back to March 9th. As usual, the catalyst has been All-Star forward Jayson Tatum. The 25-year-old is in the midst of another MVP-caliber campaign, ranking 6th in the league in scoring at 27.3 points per game while also contributing 8.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists.

Tatum’s partner in crime, Jaylen Brown, has also elevated his play this season. The versatile wing is posting 23.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists per contest. His ability to create his own shot and defend multiple positions makes him the perfect complement to Tatum.

From a betting perspective, there are a few key trends to note. The Celtics have been a solid bet as a road favorite this season, going 17-16-3 ATS in that spot. They have also been a strong over team lately, with the over hitting in five straight and seven of their last eight games overall.

Pelicans Betting Trends

New Orleans comes in playing some of their best basketball of the season. The Pelicans have won six of their last eight games overall, going 5-3 ATS during that stretch. Their most impressive performance came on Thursday when they took down the Milwaukee Bucks 107-100 as short 2-point home underdogs.

For the season, New Orleans has been a boon for bettors, compiling a 40-31-2 ATS record. As usual, the Pelicans are led by Zion Williamson’s freakish talents. The third-year forward is putting up 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game while shooting an absurd 58% from the field.

Zion Williamson in his last 3 games for the Pelicans 🔥

28 PTS – 5 REBS – 2 ASTS – 9-of-15 FG
29 PTS – 5 REBS – 10 ASTS – 10-of-17 FG
36 PTS – 7 REBS – 6 ASTS – 13-of-14 FG pic.twitter.com/FPRWZzMrtt

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 29, 2024

Williamson is flanked by veteran guard CJ McCollum, who has provided a steadying presence in his first full season with the team. The 31-year-old is averaging 18.8 points and 4.5 assists per game, giving New Orleans a reliable secondary creator and floor spacer.

Unfortunately for the Pelicans, they will once again be without the services of another one of their top players in Brandon Ingram. The skilled forward has been sidelined since March 15th with a knee injury and remains out indefinitely.

Celtics vs Pelicans Player Props

NBA player props have been released for the Celtics vs Pelicans showdown, with oddsmakers forecasting big nights from each team’s star player. Taum and Williamson both have a projected point total of 25.5, while CJ McCollum is also sitting above 20 (22.5).

Player prop odds as of March. 30, at Caesars Sportsbook.

CAESARS SPORTSBOOK

Get Your First Bet Back - Up To $1,000 On Caesars!

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: SBD1000

CODE: SBD1000

SIGNUP BONUS

GET UP TO
$1,000 BACK

CLAIM OFFER

Tatum over 25.5 points is a solid bet considering the Pelicans allow the 8th most points to opposing small forwards. Tatum is averaging 27.3 points per season, and his road production is identical to his production at TD Garden. Following a 31-point showing vs Atlanta, Tatum should stay hot as he aims to will Boston back into the win column.

On the New Orleans side, we think McCollum cashes the over on his point total in what should be a high-scoring game. The shooting guard is only averaging 18.8 points on the year, but with Ingram sidelined, he’s scored over 23 points in four straight games. Boston ranks just 18th in opponent three-point percentage, and McCollum has been on fire from deep.

Celtics vs Pelicans Prop Picks:

• Jayson Tatum Over 25.5 Points (-127)
• CJ McCollum Over 22.5 Points (-109)

Boston Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction

When breaking down the matchup, it’s hard not to give the Celtics a significant edge on paper. They have more top-end talent with Tatum and Brown, a deeper roster of complementary pieces, and a championship pedigree having made the Finals last season. The absence of Ingram only tilts the scales further in Boston’s favor.

However, the Pelicans have proven time and again that they are a tough out on their home floor. With Williamson leading the charge and a raucous New Orleans crowd behind them, they certainly have the ingredients to keep this game competitive.

Ultimately, I do expect the Celtics to emerge victorious and continue their march toward the top seed in the East. But I think the Pelicans put up a strong fight and keep it within the 6-point spread. I also lean towards the over given how explosive Boston’s offense has been lately and the potential for a fast-paced, high-scoring affair.

BOS vs NOP Picks:

• Pelicans +6 (-110)
• Over 223 (-110)