Riding high after a 107-100 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, the New Orleans Pelicans (45-28) set their sights on the top-4 seed in the West as they host the Boston Celtics (57-16) at the Smoothie King Center on Saturday at 4 PM. Meanwhile, the Celtics are nursing the hangover of a two-game sweep at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks. Facing their 3rd losing streak of the season, Boston would really want to avoid an 0-3 skid against the Pelicans. Pelicans’ superstar Brandon Ingram has been out since March 21. Will he be suiting up for this crucial showdown?
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The biggest question mark for New Orleans lies with star forward Brandon Ingram’s availability. Coach Willie Green revealed Ingram (knee) participated in some on-court work during Friday’s practice, offering a glimmer of hope for his return. However, Jose Alvarado (oblique) has been ruled out for the matchup meanwhile, Dyson Daniels, who’s recovering from a left knee injury, has been listed as “probable” to play.
The Celtics have also ruled out Neemias Queta and Drew Peterson. Brandon Ingram (left knee contusion) and Jose Alvarado (right oblique strain) are inactive for the Pelicans. Dyson Daniels, who's recovering from a left knee injury, is probable to play.
Per the Celtics, Jaden Springer (Left Knee Tendinopathy) and JD Davison (Left Ankle Sprain) are out for tomorrow's game against the Pelicans.
As opposed to No. 5 seed in the Western Conference, the No. 1 seed in the whole league, Boston is in a much healthier space with their top starters. However, Neemias Queta, Drew Peterson, JD Davidson, and Jaden Springer are all ruled “out” for this matchup.
New Orleans forward Brandon Ingram’s night ended abruptly with an injury during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic on March 21. While Ingram’s absence weakens the Pelicans’ offense, his dominance over Boston is apparent. Throughout his career, he’s averaged 17.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 12 matchups with the Celtics. Notably, their last showdown saw Ingram explode for a remarkable 28.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. In his absence, the offensive burden will fall more heavily on Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy.
Healthy Celtics vs. Pelicans’ Shorthanded Squad: Depth Chart
The Pelicans’ defensive strength lies in their frontcourt featuring Jonas Valanciunas, Zion Williamson, and Herbert Jones. Larry Nance Jr. and Trey Murphy provide additional size and depth off the bench. Here’s a look at a potential depth chart for New Orleans:
| POSITION | STARTER | 2ND | |
| PG | CJ McCollum | Jose Alvarado (Out) | |
| SG | Trey Murphy III | Dyson Daniels | |
| SF | Brandon Ingram (Out) | Herbert Jones | |
| PF | Zion Williamson | Naji Marshall | |
| C | Jonas Valanciunas | Larry Nancy Jr. |
Here’s a glimpse of a healthy Celtics potential roster for this important matchup:
| POSITION | STARTER | 2ND | |
| PG | Jrue Holiday | Payton Pritchard | |
| SG | Derrick White | Jaylen Brown | |
| SF | Jaylen Brown | Sam Hauser | |
| PF | Jayson Tatum | Al Horford | |
| C | Kristaps Porzingis | Luke Kornet |
Will Pelicans big man Zion Williamson be able to carry his team to victory, or will the Shamrocks find their lucky charms and celebrate like it’s St. Patrick’s Day? Stay tuned to find out!