Celtics Face Pelicans in Crucial NBA Matchup Amid Struggles

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Boston Celtics, holding the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, are set to face the struggling New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday at 8 p.m. ET. The Pelicans, currently on a four-game losing streak, are looking to rebound against a Celtics team that has been inconsistent in recent outings.

Boston, with a season record of 33-15, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled to maintain consistency. The team split its last 12 games before a recent win, highlighting their ongoing quest for rhythm. Despite their challenges, the Celtics remain a formidable opponent, especially with Kristaps Porzingis finding his stride. Porzingis recently scored 34 points, including eight 3-pointers, in a standout performance.

New Orleans, on the other hand, has had a tough season, with a record of 12-36. The Pelicans are 5-5 in their last 10 games and are coming off a narrow 137-136 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. CJ McCollum, who recently broke the Pelicans’ franchise record for 3-pointers, will be a key player to watch. Despite their struggles, the Pelicans pushed the Celtics to the brink in their last meeting, losing by just one point.

Statistically, the Celtics average 117.3 points per game, compared to the Pelicans’ 109.7. Defensively, Boston allows 108.3 points per game, while New Orleans gives up 118.1, the fifth-most in the NBA. The Celtics also lead the league in 3-point attempts per game (48.6) and are tied for 12th in 3-point percentage (36.5).

Jaylen Brown, who has emerged from a shooting slump, emphasized the importance of Porzingis’s performance. “When he’s shooting the ball like that with confidence, that opens it up for everybody else,” Brown said. “So that’s what I like to see.”

As the Celtics aim to solidify their standing before the All-Star break, the Pelicans are desperate to snap their losing streak. With both teams looking to make a statement, Friday’s matchup promises to be a compelling contest.