The Boston Celtics face the New Orleans Pelicans in one of the most anticipated matchups of the NBA regular season. The game is set for January 31, 2025, at 10:00 PM (Brasília time) at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Celtics arrive with a strong campaign in the Eastern Conference, while the Pelicans are struggling to find consistency this season. The home team is looking to break its losing streak and surprise one of the title contenders.
Boston currently sits in second place in the Eastern Conference, boasting an impressive record of 33 wins and 15 losses. They have been consistent, especially in away games, registering 17 wins and only 6 losses on the road. On the other hand, the New Orleans Pelicans are having a tough season, ranking 14th in the Western Conference with just 12 wins and 36 losses. The team is coming off four consecutive losses, including a heartbreaking 136-137 defeat against the Dallas Mavericks.
Where to Watch Live, Time, and Broadcast Details
The game between the Boston Celtics and New Orleans Pelicans will be broadcast live on NBA League Pass, the league’s official service that allows fans to watch all games throughout the season. The game will take place at the Smoothie King Center, with a scheduled tip-off at 9:00 PM (Brasília time).
Head-to-Head History Between Pelicans and Celtics
In the last five meetings between these teams, the Celtics have won four times, showing recent dominance over the Pelicans. The most recent clash was played on January 12, 2025, in a closely contested match that ended in a 120-119 win for the Boston Celtics. Jayson Tatum was the standout player, scoring 38 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, while Trey Murphy led the Pelicans with 30 points.
Historically, the Celtics have maintained an edge over the Pelicans, winning most of their past encounters. However, New Orleans has managed to pull off surprise victories on some occasions, especially when playing at home and leveraging their physical presence inside the paint.
Last Five Games of Each Team
Boston Celtics:
- Win against Chicago Bulls – 109×97
- Loss against Brooklyn Nets – 112×118
- Win against Miami Heat – 120×115
- Win against Toronto Raptors – 124×110
- Win against Atlanta Hawks – 130×122
New Orleans Pelicans:
- Loss against Dallas Mavericks – 136×137
- Loss against Denver Nuggets – 110×125
- Loss against Phoenix Suns – 108×121
- Loss against Sacramento Kings – 114×119
- Win against San Antonio Spurs – 117×113
Probable Lineups for the Match
Both teams are expected to enter the court with full strength, barring any last-minute setbacks. The probable starting lineups are:
Boston Celtics:
- Point Guard: Derrick White
- Shooting Guard: Jaylen Brown
- Small Forward: Jayson Tatum
- Power Forward: Kristaps Porziņģis
- Center: Al Horford
New Orleans Pelicans:
- Point Guard: CJ McCollum
- Shooting Guard: Herb Jones
- Small Forward: Brandon Ingram
- Power Forward: Zion Williamson
- Center: Jonas Valančiūnas
Key Players to Watch
- Jayson Tatum (Celtics): One of the NBA’s top scorers, Tatum is leading the Celtics with over 30 points per game. His versatility, ability to shoot from beyond the arc, and rebounding make him a dominant force.
- Jaylen Brown (Celtics): A crucial player on both ends of the court, Brown is averaging over 25 points per game and will be vital in countering the Pelicans’ offensive threats.
- Zion Williamson (Pelicans): Known for his explosive power and physicality, Zion is the leader in scoring for the Pelicans and will be a key player in attacking Boston’s defense.
- CJ McCollum (Pelicans): An experienced guard, McCollum will play a vital role in orchestrating New Orleans’ offense and challenging Boston’s perimeter defense.
Top Scorers and Team Leaders
Among the standout players, Jayson Tatum ranks as one of the top scorers in the NBA, closely followed by Jaylen Brown. On the Pelicans’ side, Zion Williamson leads in points, with Brandon Ingram right behind him.
Game Expectations
Despite the disparity in the standings, the match is expected to be competitive. The Celtics enter as favorites, but the Pelicans will have the home-court advantage and will look to capitalize on any defensive lapses by Boston. The battle inside the paint and how both teams defend against three-point shooting will play a significant role in determining the winner.
Refereeing and Weather Forecast
The NBA has yet to announce the officiating crew for this game. The weather forecast for New Orleans suggests partly cloudy skies with mild temperatures, creating a comfortable atmosphere for fans attending the game.
Ticket Sales and Availability
Tickets for the game are available for purchase through the official Pelicans website and authorized vendors. A sellout crowd is expected, as fans will have the chance to watch superstars like Jayson Tatum and Zion Williamson live in action.
Fun Facts and Team Records
- The Boston Celtics are one of the most successful franchises in NBA history, boasting over 17 championship titles.
- The New Orleans Pelicans are still seeking their first-ever NBA title but have built a young, talented roster for future success.
- The last game between these teams was decided by just one point, showcasing how competitive their matchups can be.
Fan Engagement and Social Media Buzz
Celtics fans are eager for another win to keep their strong campaign going. On social media, discussions are heating up around Jayson Tatum vs. Zion Williamson, as fans debate which star player will have the bigger impact in this game.
