Celtics Host Pelicans in Potential Playoff Preview

Boston looks to continue home dominance against New Orleans in late-season matchup

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:41pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action of a basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes in vibrant greens, blues, and oranges representing the players and court.The Celtics' stifling defense will be put to the test against the high-powered Pelicans offense in a potential playoff preview.Boston Today

The Boston Celtics (54-25) host the New Orleans Pelicans (26-54) on Friday night at TD Garden in a potential playoff preview. The Celtics are coming off a 113-102 win over the Hornets, led by Jaylen Brown's 35 points, while the Pelicans are fresh off a 156-137 victory over the Jazz. Boston has the league's best defense, giving up just 106.9 points per game, while New Orleans ranks 25th in the NBA in assists allowed.

Why it matters

This late-season matchup between the Celtics and Pelicans could provide a glimpse of a potential first-round playoff series, as the Pelicans are currently on the outside looking in at the postseason picture. The game will also showcase the contrasting styles of the two teams, with Boston's stifling defense going up against New Orleans' high-powered offense.

The details

The Celtics are led by Jaylen Brown, who is coming off a 35-point performance against the Hornets. Boston has the league's best defense, holding opponents to just 44.1% shooting and 106.9 points per game. The Pelicans, on the other hand, are paced by Jeremiah Fears, who scored 40 points in the team's recent win over the Jazz. New Orleans ranks 17th in the NBA in scoring at 115.4 points per game, but struggles defensively, allowing opponents to shoot 47.6% from the field.

  • The game will be played on Friday, April 10, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
  • The Celtics are coming off a 113-102 win over the Hornets on their home court.

The players

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' leading scorer, who dropped 35 points in the team's last game against the Hornets.

Jeremiah Fears

The Pelicans' star player, who scored 40 points in the team's recent win over the Jazz.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with the same defensive intensity that has made us one of the best teams in the league this season.”

— Jaylen Brown, Celtics Guard

“Our offense has been clicking lately, and we'll need to keep that momentum going against a tough Celtics team on the road.”

— Jeremiah Fears, Pelicans Forward

What’s next

The Celtics will look to continue their strong play at home, where they have been dominant this season. The Pelicans, meanwhile, will need to find a way to slow down Boston's stifling defense if they hope to pull off the upset on the road.

The takeaway

This late-season matchup between the Celtics and Pelicans could provide a preview of a potential first-round playoff series, showcasing the contrasting styles of two teams headed in opposite directions this season.