New Orleans Pelicans (25-16, third in the Western Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (29-12, first in the Eastern Conference)
Boston; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Boston hosts New Orleans aiming to prolong its five-game home winning streak.
The Celtics are 16-5 in home games. Boston is fourth in the league with 34.8 defensive rebounds per game led by Jayson Tatum averaging 7.1.
The Pelicans are 8-11 in road games. New Orleans ranks fifth in the Western Conference with 33.7 defensive rebounds per game led by Jonas Valanciunas averaging 6.8.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Celtics won 117-109 in the last matchup on Nov. 19.
TOP PERFORMERS: Tatum is averaging 30.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Celtics. Jaylen Brown is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for Boston.
CJ McCollum is averaging 20.8 points and 5.8 assists for the Pelicans. Zion Williamson is averaging 19.2 points over the last 10 games for New Orleans.
LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 7-3, averaging 119.4 points, 47.2 rebounds, 28.0 assists, 6.6 steals and 5.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.9 points per game.
Pelicans: 6-4, averaging 116.9 points, 47.3 rebounds, 23.4 assists, 8.5 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.3 points.
INJURIES: Celtics: Danilo Gallinari: out for season (knee), Marcus Smart: day to day (knee).
Pelicans: E.J. Liddell: out (right knee), Zion Williamson: out (hamstring), Brandon Ingram: out (toe).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from .
The Associated Press
