New Orleans Pelicans rest veterans as the Boston Celtics aim for a win on Friday night's penultimate game of the season.
The New Orleans Pelicans now have just two games left this season, with the first of them coming on Friday night as they take on the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics.
The Pelicans are now 26-54 and more focused on giving the young players some extra minutes than anything else. Most of the veterans are going to be sitting, which will make it hard to compete with this Celtics squad.
Boston is 54-26, the exact opposite of New Orleans. Jayson Tatum has been back and playing at an elite level, but they did play on Thursday, so he will have to sit out this game. They've been fine without him, though, so all eyes will be on if Jaylen Brown suits up or not.
Here is a quick rundown of important information to know before the game tips off on Friday:
When is New Orleans Pelicans at Boston Celtics
Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM CT
Location: TD Garden (Boston, MA)
How to Watch New Orleans Pelicans at Boston Celtics
Streaming: Pelicans+, NBA League Pass, NBA TV
TV Channel: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network
Local Radio: WWL 870 AM
New Orleans Pelicans at Boston Celtics Betting Lines
Moneyline: BOS -16.5
Spread: -16.5
Over/Under: 242.5
New Orleans Pelicans at Boston Celtics Projected Starting Lineups
Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Herb Jones, Saddiq Bey, Zion Williamson, Yves Missi
Celtics: Ace Bailey, Brice Sensabaugh, Cody Williams, Oscar Thiebwe, Kyle Filipowski
New Orleans Pelicans at Boston Celtics Injury Updates
Pelicans:
Saddiq Bey (rest) - Out
Herb Jones (rest) - Out
Karlo Matkovic (back injury management) - Out
Bryce McGowens (toe fracture) - Out
Yves Missi (hand sprain) - Out
Trey Murphy (ankle sprain) - Out
Dejounte Murray (hand contusion) - Out
Zion Williamson (knee injury management) - Out
Karlo Matkovic (back injury management) - Out
As with most losing teams in the final few games of the year, the hurt players aren't really playing through anything, and some younger guys are seeing some run. It would be unfortunate for Hawkins to miss right as he's finding some better playing time. Missi, as well, can use all the minutes he can get to develop.
Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears and Micah Peavy all made starts last game. Jordan Hawkins and Jordan Poole got extended playtime. Hunter Dickinson, Trey Alexander and Josh Oduro all played. It looks like that will continue to be the group over these final games.
Celtics:
Jayson Tatum
Jaylen Brown (Achilles tendonitis) - Questionable
Sam Hauser (back spasm) - Probable
Neemias Queta (toe sprain) - Probable
Derrick White (knee contusion) - Probable
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