Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) works against Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

The Boston Celtics (0-3) and New Orleans Pelicans (0-2) meet at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, Monday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NBA odds around the Celtics vs. Pelicans odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

2024-25 season series: Celtics won 2-0

The Celtics lost at the Detroit Pistons 119-113 Sunday, closing as 2.5-point underdogs as the Over (227) hit. F Jaylen Brown notched a game-high 41 points on 12-for-25 shooting. With 6-time All-Star F Jayson Tatum out for the foreseeable future with a torn Achilles, Brown has had to pick up more of the offensive load. Boston, which finished second in the Eastern Conference last season, is among 5 winless teams.

The Pelicans are winless as well, having lost in overtime to the San Antonio Spurs 120-116 Friday. They pushed as 4-point home underdogs with the Over (233.5) cashing. New Orleans, which lost its season-opening game by 6 points to the Memphis Grizzlies, has been led by F Zion Williamson, who is averaging 27 points per game and shooting 46.2% from the field. It is 0-1-1 against the spread (ATS) and 2-0 O/U.

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Celtics at Pelicans odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:14 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Celtics +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Pelicans -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Celtics +2.5 (-110) | Pelicans -2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 233.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Celtics at Pelicans key injuries

Celtics

(Not yet submitted -- below was for Sunday's game)

  • F Jaylen Brown (hamstring) questionable
  • F Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out
  • G Derrick White (wrist) probable

Pelicans

  • C Kevin Looney (knee) out
  • G Dejounte Murray (Achilles) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Celtics at Pelicans picks and predictions

Prediction

Pelicans 116, Celtics 114

Moneyline

PASS.

Both sides here are playable, but the Celtics (+115) have better value on the spread. That's the preferred wager.

Against the spread

BET CELTICS +2.5 (-110).

The Pelicans and Celtics have both kept games close this season. Boston has lost all 3 games by 10 points or fewer. It has been able to keep games close by limiting turnovers, sitting second (13.3%) in turnover rate. With Brown and White both having played Sunday, this team should be close to full strength and able to keep this one tight.

The Pelicans have lost both of their games by 6 points or fewer, so they have also been in competitive contests. With their top 3 scorers all shooting 46.2% or worse from the field, separating by any sizable margin could be difficult. New Orleans has yet to cover this season.

Take CELTICS +2.5 (-110).

Over/Under

BET UNDER 233.5 (-110).

As noted, the Celtics don't turn the ball over, and they also don't play fast. Boston ranks 26th (97.5) in pace, while the Pelicans sit 15th (101.94). That should be key in the tempo and points, which are often directly correlated.

Neither team has shown much offensively, with the Pelicans 20th and Celtics 21st in offensive rating. Considering those trends, expect a low-scoring battle and take UNDER 233.5 (-110).

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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Boston Celtics at New Orleans Pelicans odds, picks and predictions

Reporting by Nathan Beighle, Sportsbook Wire / Sportsbook Wire

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