The 30-14 Boston Celtics visit the 17-29 New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center at 6pm ET Jan. 26, and take on a decidedly different Pels team than the team they blew out on Jan. 11.
This is of course because the Pelicans will have vaunted rookie Zion Williamson available this time around as they search for their first win since he debuted for New Orleans two games ago.
He has averaged 18.5 points and 6.5 rebounds a game over that stretch, but hasn’t been able to come away with his first NBA win.
The Celtics, conversely, have been playing much better recently despite a spate of injuries, having won three straight games.
They will continue to be without reserve centers Robert Williams III (hip) and Enes Kanter (hip), and could also see wings Jaylen Brown (ankle) and Jayson Tatum (groin) sit, as both are questionable for Sunday’s contest.
Guard Marcus Smart may also be unavailable with a sprained hand, relates team reporter Marc D’Amico.
The Pelicans will continue to sit forward Darius Miller (Achilles) and guard Kenrich Williams (back), but should see veteran shooting guard Jrue Holiday return to action after missing several games to knee soreness.
While New Orleans may be a losing team on paper, they have also been working on integrating an important part of their future into the lineup with Williamson having played under a minutes restriction as well.
Should Boston revert to its habits of playing a disengaged style of basketball early, they may be surprised by the Pels, who are hungry for a win with their prized rookie now that he can actually play.
Even still, the Celtics should come away with the win even with multiple injuries to key players, reflected by average online sportsbook spreads of -1.5 for Boston.
