The New Orleans Pelicans will try to keep their playoff hopes alive against the Boston Celtics who are clinging to the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics would be out of the playoff picture in the West, which shows the difference in competitiveness in two conferences.
The game will feature some of the best under-25 talent in the game as Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram take on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The Pelicans are 4.5 point underdogs in this one, but if you’ve been watching you know that their games are rarely close. If you think the Pels are going to win, just bet the money line, as you will get better odds.
Here are three bets the that I like for the game, but remember, I am not a pro, so take this advice with caution.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Boston Celtics: The combined score will be under 231
I have only bet the under once this season (and won) but this one seems a little too high, even for two teams ranked in the bottom of the league in defense.
The Pelicans and Celtics are allowing 227 combined points on average but the Pels have been much better over their last ten, holding opponents under 110 points six times.
I usually recommend the over with the Pelicans but this one seems more like a game that will be played in the low 100’s.
Pelicans vs. Celtics: Brandon Ingram will have under 28.5 points + assists
Brandon Ingram has been in a bit of a slump shooting the ball and isn’t doing much else to make up for it.
Zion has been the primary ball handler and is the one setting up his teammates. That, combined with Ingram’s rocky shooting could make for low totals for B.I.
Of course, he lit up Boston the last time they played so this could be the game where he breaks out, but with Zion rolling expect Ingram to continue to play a secondary role.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Boston Celtics: Zion Williamson will have 8 or more rebounds
This is more of a hunch and a value bet than something based on the numbers, as Zion has only averaged 6.4 rebounds over his last ten games.
But with Tristan Thompson and Ojeleye out, Zion Williamson could dominate the boards and he had ten the last time these two played.
You get good odds on this bet at +101, so sit back and hope that Zion racks up the boards.
The New Orleans Pelicans are in the toughest stretch of the season and if they can weather it, might emerge from the other side in the playoff race.
*All odds and bets from the Action Network