Since the NBA trade deadline, the Boston Celtics have posted a 2-0 record. They handily beat the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night before outscoring the Oklahoma City Thunder by 21 in the fourth quarter on Saturday night to move to 23-23 on the season.
On Monday, the C's are kickstarting a seven-game homestand against the New Orleans Pelicans, and there's a lot going on in this game.
First of all, the Celtics are looking to avenge one of their worst losses of the season, which came against the Pelicans. Boston led New Orleans by as many as 24 in the game, but they managed to lose the game in overtime by a score of 120-115. That comeback ranks as the largest in Pelicans history and started a brutal three-game slide by the Celtics that dropped them two games below .500 on the year.
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Surely, the C's remember that and want to prove that they can handle the Pels.
Forsberg: Have the Celtics finally found their joy?
The other big aspect of this game is that Evan Fournier will be ready to make his Celtics debut. The team's biggest trade acquisition before the deadline has averaged 19.7 points per game this season, but he hadn't yet played while being in health and safety protocols for the team. Now, he's ready to make his debut and add a scoring punch to Boston's lineup.
Unfortunately, the C's still won't be at full strength for this game. Jaylen Brown (hip) is out for tonight's game as are Tristan Thompson (health and safety protocols) and Semi Ojeleye (side). The good news is that Kemba Walker is back after resting in the latter end of the back-to-back (per usual), so he should have a chance to provide a scoring punch and may get more open looks if Fournier can help spread the floor.
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Fournier may be the most intriguing Celtic to watch tonight, but the battle between Zion Williamson and Jayson Tatum will be fun as well. The two Duke products are among the best young players in the game and will go head-to-head for just the second time of their professional careers.
And they'll get to do so in front of a small crowd at the TD Garden, as a limited number of fans will be allowed into a Celtics game for the first time in over a year.
Celtics vs. Pelicans: How to watch, TV channel and live stream
When: Monday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET
TV channel: NBC Sports Boston
Live stream: NBC Sports Boston or the MyTeams App
Be sure to tune into NBC Sports Boston at 7 p.m. for "Celtics Pregame Live" presented by TD Bank. We will have complete coverage after the final buzzer with "Celtics Postgame Live" presented by Your New England Ford Dealers. You can watch both shows on the MyTeams App or by clicking here.