Pelicans vs Celtics Picks and Prediction – 1/12/2025

In Sunday night NBA action, the New Orleans Pelicans will travel to TD Garden to square off against the Boston Celtics. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Pelicans (8-31) have dropped 15 of their first 18 road games and own the worst overall record in the Western Conference. On Friday, New Orleans suspended F Zion Williamson for missing the team’s flight prior to a 123-115 road victory against Philadelphia. 

New Orleans G C.J. McCollum knocked down 6-for-11 from long distance and led all scorers with 38 points. Jordan Hawkins nailed 5-for-11 from the three-point line and finished with 21 points. Dejounte Murray added 17 points, ten rebounds, and six assists for the Pelicans. 

The Boston Celtics have split their previous ten games and have fallen 6.5 games behind Cleveland for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics (27-11) rank second in the league in offensive efficiency and are averaging a shade below 118 points per game. On Friday, Boston was outscored by 17 points during the fourth quarter of a 114-97 home loss. 

All-Star G Jaylen Brown tallied a game-high 28 points on 9-for-19 shooting and dished out five assists. Boston C Kristaps Porzingis knocked down 4-for-7 from long range and finished with 22 points. All-Star F Jayson Tatum added 15 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists for the Celtics. 

New Orleans F Brandon Ingram (ankle) did not play during Friday’s victory and is listed as questionable for this game. The Pelicans rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency and that spells plenty of trouble against Boston’s lethal three-point shooting attack. Take Boston to win and cover in a rout. Final Score Prediction, Boston Celtics win 119-98.