The Boston Celtics will face the New Orleans Pelicans, with both teams heading in opposite directions as the season winds down.
Pelicans Prioritise Youth Amidst Injuries
The New Orleans Pelicans, sitting at 26-54 for the season, appear to be prioritising player development over wins in their final games. James Borrego and the coaching staff seem to be giving opportunities to younger players. The Pelicans have listed Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy, Yves Missi, and Karlo Matkovic as out due to various injuries. Herb Jones and Saddiq Bey are unavailable due to a “rest” designation.
Hunter Dickinson, Trey Alexander, and Josh Oduro, who are on two-way deals, are expected to play significant minutes. Rookies Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, and Micah Peavy will likely start and play as many minutes as they can handle. Veterans Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney, who have been out of the rotation for most of the season, will get a chance to showcase their abilities.
Celtics Push for No. 2 Seed Despite Back-to-Back
Unlike the Pelicans, the Celtics still have something to play for. While they can no longer catch the Pistons for the first-overall seed, they have yet to clinch the No. 2 seed. Boston must win one of their final two games to secure the second seed; otherwise, the Knicks could overtake them.
Boston are on the second night of a back-to-back after losing to the Knicks in New York. The Celtics listed Jayson Tatum as out and Jaylen Brown as questionable on their injury report. Tatum is sitting out on the second night of a back-to-back as he recovers from an Achilles injury. Brown, on the other hand, will be a game-time decision.
Opportunity for Pelicans’ Young Players
The Pelicans’ injury situation provides an opportunity for younger players to gain experience. Hunter Dickinson, Trey Alexander and Josh Oduro played significant minutes in the Pelicans’ win over the Jazz. Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, and Micah Peavy will likely get the start and play as many minutes as they can handle.
Veterans Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney will also get a chance to showcase what they can do ahead of the offseason, where they may both change teams.
Celtics Face Uphill Battle
- Jayson Tatum is out for the Celtics.
- Jaylen Brown is questionable.
- The Celtics are on the second night of a back-to-back.
One can expect Boston to play as hard as possible in their pursuit of the No. 2 seed.