New Orleans Pelicans vs. Boston Celtics Preview: Celtics Looking to Extend Win Streak Versus Twelve-Seeded Pelicans
The number four-ranked Boston Celtics are looking to continue their current two-game winning streak as they take on the non-contending New Orleans Pelicans next.
The second game between both teams will be taking place on Wednesday, April 6th at the TD Garden in Boston.
The first game between the Celtics and Pelicans took place last December 7th, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Boston was able to come out with a double-digit victory, winning with a final score of 111-93. In the said contest, it was point guard Isaiah Thomas who was able to led his team to victory.
He ended the night with 22 points, and five assists, shooting 9 out of 13 from the field, through 30 minutes of playing time. Forward Jae Crowder also made significant contributions, scoring 17 points, shooting 5 out of 10 from the field, through 34 minutes of playing time.
The Celtics were also able to out-rebound the Pelicans, grabbing a total of 46 rebounds. They also outscored the opposition on the fast break, tallying 21 fast break points, as opposed to the Pelicans' 11. According to Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry, his team was not able to play like one, unlike their opponents.
"They competed and they played together and moved the basketball and we didn't," Gentry said in an NBA.com report. "When you don't against a team like that, you get your (butt) kicked at home."
"We have to do a much, much better job if we even want to be a competitive team," Gentry added, who also expressed his utter disappointment.
The Celtics have managed to win three of their last five games since March 26th, playing against the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Portland Trailblazers, the Golden State Warriors, and the Los Angeles Lakers. They hold a record of 45-32.
The Pelicans also won three of their last five outings, against the Toronto Raptors, the New York Knicks, the San Antonio Spurs, the Denver Nuggets, and the Brooklyn Nets. They hold a win-loss slate of 29-48.