The Boston Celtics are set to close out their final back-to-back of the season this Friday, April 10th, hosting the New Orleans Pelicans at TD Garden. With just two home games left in the 2025-26 regular season, this matchup carries significant weight for the Celtics, who can clinch the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a victory.

Fresh off a tough road loss to the New York Knicks, a potential second-round playoff foe, Boston will be eager to bounce back and solidify their postseason positioning. They face a Pelicans squad that has struggled all season, currently sitting 11th in the West with a 26-54 record, and is expected to rest several key players.

While the Celtics, holding a 54-26 record, are heavy favorites, the final stretch of an NBA season can always produce unexpected results. The Pelicans' approach, likely focused on preserving lottery odds, contrasts sharply with Boston's urgency to build momentum before the playoffs.

Injury reports will be crucial. For Boston, Jaylen Brown (tendinitis) was listed as out in the last update. New Orleans' list is extensive, with Saddiq Bey, Herb Jones, Zion Williamson (knee), and Dejounte Murray (hand) among the notable players expected to sit out.

Tune in for what should be a decisive game for Boston's playoff journey. A win not only locks in their seed but also sends a message as they prepare for the high-stakes basketball ahead.