The Boston Celtics are set to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans this Friday at 8 p.m. EST. With Boston sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, New Orleans faces a tough challenge as they try to snap their four-game losing streak and get back on track. Ahead of the matchup, the Celtics have released their injury report, naming two major players.
Boston lists forwards Sam Hauser and Al Horford in their report. Hauser is considered questionable with a pinched nerve in his right hip, which caused him to miss two of the Celtics’ recent games. This occurred after an impingement in his right hip during their game against the Rockets. Meanwhile, Horford is listed as probable for the upcoming game due to a sprained toe.
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) warms up before playing against the New Orleans Pelicans at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
For the 39 games Sam played for the Celtics this season, he averaged 7.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1 assist and has a field goal percentage of 43.4% per game. The last two of his five games show his minutes and scoring have significantly dropped. His playtime halved per game reducing his overall scores. While Hauser has generally been efficient from beyond the arc, his overall scoring has been inconsistent, fluctuating from game to game.
This season, Al has consistently contributed in key moments. Across 36 games, he is averaging 8.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, per game with a field goal percentage of 41.6%. The 38-year-old had a solid performance the last time he took the court. Coming off the bench against the Mavericks, he played for around 19 minutes, scoring four points on 2-of-8 shooting, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out one assist.
The Boston Celtics head into the game with standout performances
The Celtics had a major 122-100 victory over the Bulls with Kristaps Porzingis and Jaylen Brown leading the game. The team saw contributions from Derrick White and Jayson Tatum adding in 22 and 16 points as well. However, Porzingis and Brown’s monster performances became a key factor in making the Celtics bounce back from a tough loss to the Rockets earlier in the week.
Kristaps delivered a dominant performance scoring a season-high of 34 points, with 26 coming in the first half. The 7-foot-2 big man was on fire from beyond the arc, sinking eight of his 14 three-point attempts, and adding 11 rebounds in 33 minutes of play. His strong first-half showing helped Boston take control early and maintain a comfortable lead throughout the game.
Jan 3, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) reacts after a dunk against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Jaylen also had a strong outing, contributing 28 points, to the team. His performance was especially crucial during a 13-0 run in the second quarter, where he scored nine points and helped the Celtics regain control after Chicago had cut the lead to six. Despite missing their leading scorer Zach LaVine, out for personal reasons, the Bulls were no match for the Celtics’ offensive firepower.
Boston Celtics Depth Chart
Position
Starter
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
PG
Derrick White
Jrue Holiday
Payton Pritchard
JD Davison
Jaden Springer
SG
Jrue Holiday
Payton Pritchard
Jaylen Brown
Derrick White
Jaden Springer
SF
Jaylen Brown
Sam Hauser DD
Jayson Tatum
Jordan Walsh
Jaden Springer
PF
Jayson Tatum
Al Horford DD
Sam Hauser DD
Drew Peterson
Xavier Tillman
C
Kristaps Porzingis
Luke Kornet
Neemias Queta
Al Horford DD
Xavier Tillman
The Celtics are 33-15, second in the Eastern Conference, while the Pelicans are 12-36, 14th in the Western Conference, and this matchup looks forward to showcasing their dominance as they look to keep the momentum going after a strong performance in their last game.
The post Celtics Announce 2 Major Injury News For Pelicans Clash After Kristaps Porzingis & Jaylen Brown’s Monster Performances appeared first on EssentiallySports.
