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2020-21 NBA Regular Season
New Orleans Pelicans v Boston Celtics
21 February 2021, 22:30 CAT
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans
The New Orleans Pelicans will chase an upset win over the Boston Celtic in an
NBA Regular Season game at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on the evening of 21 February 2021, with tip-off at 22:30 CAT.
The Pelicans have had mixed results of late, though their major concern has been an inability to dominate on defence. They shipped a huge 143 points in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks this past weekend, prompting coach Stan Van Gundy to rip into his players.
“It's because we're playing abhorrent defence,” Van Gundy said. “Our defence is ridiculous. We tried everything tonight. Two games in a row like this is inexcusable for me as a coach and for the players it's inexcusable.”
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The Celtics have stumbled into some big losses in recent weeks, but there is promise for the Boston franchise. Rookie Payton Pritchard has become an impressive presence on the court, with his play allowing star men Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown the platform to shine. He has also enjoyed great success in his long-range shooting, adding variety to the team’s attack.
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"They [Tatum and Brown] draw such a crowd, so they're going to have to draw a double-team or something," Pritchard said. "So it's our job to space the floor and find openings for them.”
Celtic will also hope Kemba Walker can recover his best form, while Semi Ojeleye and Marcus Smart (set to be back after recovering from a calf strain) also provide strong options on offence – especially considering the Pelicans’ defensive struggles of late.
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In head-to-head stats, the Pelicans and the Celtics have met in 39 Regular Season games since 2002-03. Boston has claimed 20 wins compared to 19 for New Orleans.
The teams met in two Regular Season clashes in 2019-20 (both in January 2020), with the Celtics winning the first 140-105 while the second went the way of the Pelicans 123-108 courtesy of 25 points from Jrue Holiday.
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New Orleans Pelicans v Boston Celtics – Head-to-head
Regular Season games played: 39
Pelicans wins: 19
Celtics wins: 20
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