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Since facing the New Orleans Pelicans on November 26, the Boston Celtics (15-10) haven’t lost, and have not trailed since the first half of the Celtics’ matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 1st. The Celtics have played 129:12 without trailing, with a score of 350-256. - Per Sean Grande
But as luck would have it, the Pelicans are catching the Celtics at the perfect time. The injury bug has bitten the Beantown Boys hard, limiting them to but nine healthy bodies. Boston will be without Kyrie Irving who held the Pelicans’ late game surge at bay two weeks ago, as well as Al Horford, Gordon Hayward, Aron Baynes and Guerschon Yabusele.
One odd statistic: the Celtics have been unbeatable with Kyrie out of the lineup at home (19-3), but with such a depleted bench, the Pelicans will have every opportunity to tie up the season series.
Especially with the availability of Anthony Davis:
Anthony Davis (right hip contusion) is available tonight in Boston...E’Twaun Moore (lower leg strain) is out.
— Pelicans PR (@PelicansPR) December 10, 2018
The Moore news is a bit of a setback, but with the NBA’s fifth-best lineup intact (Frazier - Jrue - Hill - Randle - AD 40.9 Net Rating), they should have enough to give the Cs a run for their money, even while playing on the road.
Injury Report:
Pelicans:
Elfrid Payton (Out, finger), Anthony Davis (available, hip bruise), E’Twaun Moore (Out, lower leg strain)
Celtics:
Aron Baynes (Out, ankle sprain), Gordon Hayward (Out, Illness), Al Horford (Out, knee soreness), Kyrie Irving (Out, shoulder soreness), Guerschon Yabusele (Out, ankle sprain)
Here's a look at the projected #Celtics depth chart tonight:
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) December 10, 2018
G: Smart, Brown, Rozier, Wanamaker
F: Tatum, Morris, Ojeleye, Dozier
C: Theis, Williams
| Boston | New Orleans |
|---|---|
| Pace: 98.2 (22nd) | Pace: 103.1 (third) |
| ORtg: 110.7 (11th) | ORtg: 114.5 (third) |
| DRtg: 103.3 (2nd) | DRtg: 112.2 (24th) |
| Projected Starters: | |
| Boston | New Orleans |
| PG - Terry Rozier | PG - Tim Frazier |
| SG - Marcus Smart | SG - Jrue Holiday |
| SF - Jayson Tatum | F - Solomon Hill |
| F - Marcus Morris | PF - Julius Randle |
| C - Daniel Theis | C - Anthony Davis |
The Boston Celtics have but ten active players for tonight’s contest, including PJ Dozier, who was called up from the G-League for this special occasion.
For expanded coverage, check out an Outsiders’ Perspective with Celtics’ Blog’s Keith Smith, as well as our game preview by Jamile Dunn.
Let’s geaux, Pels!
Where To Watch
What: New Orleans Pelicans at Boston Celtics
Where: TD Garden Arena
When: Monday, December 10, 2018, 6:30 p.m. Central
How: NBATV, FSNO 99.5 FM WRNO
Spread: +4.5
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