Boston Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans Starting Lineups and Depth Charts for March 30 | 2023-24 NBA Season

2024/03/31

The league-leading Boston Celtics will challenge the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. This will be the second and final meeting between the two teams this season, with the Celtics emerging victorious in the first matchup.

Despite consecutive losses against the Atlanta Hawks, the Celtics continue to hold a significant advantage over all other teams. They currently have a six-game lead over the Denver Nuggets, who are leading the Western Conference, and are 11 games ahead of their East rival, the Milwaukee Bucks.

The New Orleans Pelicans currently hold the sixth-best record in the Western Conference, with the LA Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks both one game above and below them.

Boston Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans Matchup Preview for Mar. 30, 2024 | 2023-24 NBA Season

Updated Boston Celtics Injuries for Mar. 30, 2023

Despite being placed on the Celtics’ injury list, Al Horford has been upgraded to ‘probable’. The team’s doctors will assess the strength of his toe and make a decision on whether he can play the entire game, but the Celtics are likely to err on the side of caution and limit his playing time before the upcoming postseason.

Unfortunately, JD Davidson and Jaden Springer have been deemed ineligible for the game and will not be able to participate.

Player	Injury	Status
Al Horford	Then	Probable
JD Davidson	Ankle	Out
Jaden Springer	Knee	Out

New Orleans Pelicans Injuries for Mar. 30, 2023

Due to a knee injury, Brandon Ingram is currently sidelined and is not expected to return to the Pelicans’ lineup until the postseason. Similarly, Jose Alvarado will also not be playing, but there is a possibility that Dyson Daniels may see some action.

Player	Injury	Status
Jose Alvarado	Oblique	Out
Dyson Daniels	Knee	Probable
Brandon Ingram	Knee	Mid-April

Boston Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans Projected Starting Lineups and Team Depth Charts

Boston Celtics Projected Starting Lineup and Depth Chart for Mar. 30, 2024

Despite a lack of changes to their starting lineup, the Celtics plan to stick with their usual five. With Horford’s status uncertain, Luke Kornet, Oshaen Brissett, and Xavier Tillman are prepared to step in and provide support if either Kristaps Porzingis or Jayson Tatum requires rest or encounters foul trouble.

Positon	Starter	2nd	3rd
Point Guard	Jrue Holiday	Payton Pritchard	*JD Davidson
Shooting Guard	Derrick White	Sam Hauser	*Jaden Springer
Small Forward	Jaylen Brown	All Mykhailuk
Power Forward	Jayson Tatum	Oshae Brissett	*Al Horford
Center	Kristaps Porzingis	Luke Kornet	Xavier Tillman

*listed as injured

New Orleans Pelicans starting lineup and roster for Mar. 30, 2024

Ever since Brandon Ingram’s injury, Herb Jones has been filling in as the starting small forward for the Pelicans. Jordan Hawkins and Naji Marshall have also been getting more playing time on the bench, while Dyson Daniels and Jose Alvarado recover from their injuries.

Position	Starter	2nd	3rd
Point Guard	CJ McCullom	Jordan Hawkins	*Jose Alvarado
Shooting Guard	Trey Murphy III	Naji Marshall	*Dyson Daniels
Small Forward	Herbert Jones	Matt Ryan	*Brandon Ingram
Power Forward	Zion Williamson	Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Centtr	Jonas Valančiūnas	Larry Nance Jr.	Cody Zeller

*listed as injured

Battle of the Bigs: Key Matchups between Boston Celtics and New Orleans Pelicans

The anticipated matchup between Zion Williamson and Jayson Tatum promises to be an exciting one, with both teams relying on their top scorers to lead the way. These two All-Stars will be the focal points of the game, showcasing their distinct styles of play for an entertaining viewing experience.

In addition to the confrontation at the four, there is another intriguing matchup between Jrue Holiday and CJ McCollum. This particular matchup may prove to be the deciding factor in the outcome of the game. If Holiday is able to limit McCollum’s impact, it could lead to a victory for the Celtics.