Preview: Fans Are Back at TD Garden as Celtics Prepare to Take on Pelicans
Layne Murdoch Jr. | NBAE via Getty Images
Boston has been on a roll, going 2-0 since the March 25th trade deadline. They took down the Bucks in a wire-to-wire victory and then mounted a spectacular comeback in Oklahoma City just two nights ago. Tonight the C’s will look to avenge a heartbreaking overtime loss in New Orleans earlier this season, as they host the Pelicans at TD Garden. To make things even more exciting, fans are back at TD Garden tonight, which could lead to the most electric game of the season thus far.
All-Star Zion Williamson leads New Orleans in scoring this season. The second-year big man is averaging 26.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. He’s also shooting historically well from the field with a field goal percentage of 62.8%. Brandon Ingram is second in the scoring department, putting up 23.8 a night. The dynamic duo is backed up by a supporting cast of guards in Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe. Josh Hart also proved to be an issue the last time the C’s took on the Pelicans, as he wreaked havoc on the defensive end.
New Orleans has gone 5-5 in their last 10 games and is 20-25 on the year. They’ve been one of the more confusing teams this season because they are horribly inconsistent. In their last 12 games alone, they have wins over the Jazz and Clippers and losses against the Bulls and Timberwolves.
The Celtics have been great since big man Robert Williams has taken over as the starter. He’s been a defensive anchor for the team and even helped them lock down two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in their win over Milwaukee. Newly acquired center Luke Kornet has also been impressive at the center position, helping the Celtics win over the Thunder in his debut with the team.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown struggled to get things going early on against the Thunder but figured things out in the second half and helped lead the comeback. Marcus Smart has also been solid for the team after a stressful trade deadline. He acknowledged the trade rumors in a recent press conference, saying that he prepares for the worst but hopes for the best.
Semi Ojeleye, Romeo Langford, and Tristan Thompson remain out for tonight’s game against New Orleans. Evan Fournier is listed as questionable. Lonzo Ball is listed as out with a hip injury for the pelicans, and Jaxson Hayes is listed as questionable.
Make sure to tune in to our live pregame show, the Banner Town Build Up, 30 minutes before the game on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook @GuyBostonSports. The Celtics tip-off against the Pelicans at 7:30 PM EST on NBC Sports Boston.
