The Boston Celtics are getting ready to face the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center tonight. The matchup is set to tip off at 5:00 PM ET and can be watched on NBA TV, BSNO, and NBCS-CBS. This will be the last time the two teams will meet before playoffs begin. The last time Boston played against New Orleans, the former won 118-112.
The Celtics sit comfortably as the East’s top-seeded team with a 57-16 record, the best in the league this season. But right now, they are on an uncomfortable two-game losing streak against the Atlanta Hawks. This loss comes in the wake of an amazing nine-game run. Although another loss won’t affect their playoff standings, the Cs aren’t looking o to slack off.
Especially not when the team is going to be at full strength for the matchup vs the Pelicans. The latest update on Boston’s injury report by NBCS.com shows that Al Horford will suit up tonight. Horford had missed the previous 122-123 overtime loss against Atlanta on account of a left big toe sprain. With his arrival, Boston will have every one of their regular rotation players for the first time in 3 1/2 weeks.
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As for the Pelicans, they are coming off a win over the No. 2-seeded Milwaukee Bucks. New Orleans ranks in the fifth position in the West with a 45-28 record. Their injury report has Brandon Ingram, Dyson Daniels, and Jose Alvarado. Ingram (knee) is ‘Out,’ as he continues with his on-court workouts. Alvarado (oblique) has also been ruled out. And Daniels (knee) has been listed as ‘Probable’ for Saturday’s game.
The Pelicans recently have gone up against some pretty tough teams and emerged victorious. Over the last 15 games, they have an 11-4 record and an average of 113.5 points per game. It wouldn’t be a fair comparison, but the Cs also have an 11-4 record in the last 15 games while averaging 122.9 points per game. Considering that they haven’t had a longer losing streak than two this season, Boston will look to maintain that as they advance.
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The Boston Celtics depth chart
Given that Al Horford will join the Celtics tonight, he will be in his typical large role off the bench. With that in mind let’s take a look at the depth chart of the Cs.
POSITION | STARTER | 2ND | 3RD |
PG | Jrue Holiday | Payton Pritchard | Derrick White |
SG | Derrick White | Jaylen Brown | Sam Hauser |
SF | Jaylen Brown | Sam Hauser | Jayson Tatum |
PF | Jayson Tatum | Al Horford | Oshae Brissett |
C | Kristaps Porzingis | Luke Kornet | Al Horford |
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Well, there you go. So, what do you think? Can the Pelicans stand strong against the Celtics? Let us know in the comments below.