The New Orleans Pelicans are trying to snap a four-game losing streak and even their season series as they take on the Boston Celtics on Friday night. Boston is the NBA’s defending champion, while New Orleans is trying to find some hope in a season that has gone off the rails.
One bright spot during this current losing skid has been the play of Zion Williamson. Even with the losses piling up, Zion has been playing some of the best basketball of his career. Over his last three games, he’s averaging 29.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals while shooting 62.5% from the field and 72.0% at the line. He’s been locked in defensively and finishing through contact. Most importantly, he’s staying on the floor and continues to look like he’s at the peak of his physical abilities.
Though Zion is posting career highs in rebounds (8.2), assists (5.0), steals (1.2), and blocks (1.2), he’s doing so while playing his fewest minutes since his rookie season (28.5). His recent performances have left fans wanting more, but Williamson is preaching patience.
“I feel like I could play 30 minutes a game right now,” Zion said after practice. “But based off the numbers with the team, we’re just being smart and working our way there.”
With the Celtics in town, the Pelicans will need all that Zion provides and more. Boston has one of the toughest defenses in the league, and Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porziņģis will make Zion work for every bucket.
Trey Murphy led the Pelicans with 30 points in their last meeting with Boston, while Dejounte Murray added 26. Williamson struggled, shooting just 5-of-15 from the field.
Meanwhile, CJ McCollum is coming off another career milestone after breaking Jrue Holiday’s franchise record for three-pointers made. It only took McCollum 202 games to pass Holiday, who set the mark in 415 games over seven seasons. The timing couldn’t be better with McCollum now facing Holiday one game after making history. Jrue still plays at an elite level defensively, so this will be a tough matchup for CJ.
Defense remains the biggest challenge for New Orleans. The Pelicans have struggled to get stops late in games, and that’s been the difference in multiple close losses. Boston averages 117.3 points per game, while New Orleans is allowing 118.1 per contest—not exactly a winning formula.
The Celtics come in with a 33-15 record and rank third in both offensive efficiency (118.6) and net rating (+9.1). Boston also leads the league in three-point makes (17.8 per game) and attempts (48.6). Jayson Tatum is averaging 26.7 points per game and dropped 38 against New Orleans in their last meeting. Payton Pritchard has emerged as a frontrunner for Sixth Man of the Year, averaging 14.0 points and shooting 42% from three-point range.
Boston has dominated the recent head-to-head matchups, winning seven straight against New Orleans. So, once again, the Pelicans have multiple losing streaks that they can end with a victory tonight.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Boston Celtics | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Jrue Holiday | G – Dejounte Murray |
| G – Derrick White | G – CJ McCollum |
| F – Jaylen Brown | F – Trey Murphy |
| F – Jayson Tatum | F – Zion Williamson |
| C – Kristaps Porzingis | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
Boston Celtics: Al Horford (left big toe sprain) is PROBABLE. Same Hauser (right hip impingement) is QUESTIONABLE.
New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson (non-Covid illness) is QUESTIONABLE. Jordan Hawkins (non-Covid illness), Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain), Herb Jones (right shoulder strain), and Daniel Theis (right thumb sprain) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (12-36) vs Boston Celtics (33-15)
Season Series:
- Jan. 12: Celtics def. Pelicans, 120-119
- Jan. 31: Pelicans vs. Celtics
Series History: The New Orleans Pelicans are 21-27 all-time against the Boston Celtics, and have lost seven straight in the series.
Where: Smoothie King Center
When: Jan. 31, 7:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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