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The Boston Celtics will make their lone trip to the "Big Easy" this season, as they visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, November 18th.
Despite the suspension of head coach Ime Udoka, the Celtics have picked up where they left off last season. The 12-3 Celtics currently have the best record in the NBA and are riding an eight-game winning streak. Their offense ranks first in both points per game and offensive rating. Their defense, however, has struggled since finishing last season ranked first in opponents points per game and second in defensive rating. Through 15 games, the Celtics' defense has ranked 15th in opponents points per game and 18th in defensive rating.
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The 9-5 New Orleans Pelicans are currently tied for fifth in the Western Conference. However, they are just one game out of first place and are currently on a three-game winning streak. The Pelicans have been strong on both sides of the ball. Their offense ranks fifth in points per game and fifth in offensive rating, while their defense ranks 13th in opponents points per game and eighth in defensive rating.
The Celtics are 6-2 on the road, while the Pelicans are 5-2 at home.
Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans Match Details
Fixture: Boston Celtics at New Orleans Pelicans
Date and Time: Friday, November 18, 8:30 p.m. EST
Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
The Celtics will be without starting center Robert Williams III, as he is yet to take to the court this season following offseason knee surgery. They will also be without starting point guard Marcus Smart, who is out for the second straight game with right ankle inflammation. Forward Danilo Gallinari, who has not played this season, will also be out as he recovers from a torn ACL. Point guard Malcolm Brogdon appears destined to return as he is listed as probable after missing the last four games with right hamstring tightness.
For the New Orleans Pelicans, star power forward Zion Williamson is listed as questionable after missing the previous two games with a right foot contusion. Point guard Kira Lewis Jr., who has not played since tearing his ACL 11 months ago, remains out as he rehabs with the Pelicans' G League affiliate. Additionally, rookie forward E.J. Liddell, who is yet to make his NBA debut, remains out after tearing his ACL in the preseason.
Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Odds and Spread
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Bet $5+ on any sport pre-game ML, Get $200 If Your Bet Wins
Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans Starting 5s
Celtics - PG Derrick White, SG Jaylen Brown, SF Jayson Tatum, PF Grant Williams, C Al Horford
Pelicans - PG CJ McCollum, SG Herbert Jones, SF Brandon Ingram, PF Zion Williamson, C Jonas Valanciunas
Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Prediction
While the Celtics have had a great start to the season, their defense has struggled. Without two of their top defenders, the Celtics could struggle to slow down New Orleans' offense, particularly if Zion Williamson returns to action. Expect the Celtics' eight game winning streak to come to an end, as the Pelicans pick up a win at home.
Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans ML (+120)
