Final: Celtics 104, Pelicans 92 - Celtics defense returns in bounceback win

BOSTON CELTICS at NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

5 p.m. - NBCS Boston/NBA TV

Line: Boston - 6.5

INJURIES

Boston: Jaden Springer (OUT, knee), JD Davison (OUT, ankle)

New Orleans: Brandon Ingram (OUT, knee), Jose Alvarado (OUT, oblique), Dyson Daniels (PROBABLE, knee)    

LAST TIME

Celtics 118, Pelicans 112 - January 29

The Celtics missed a lot of good looks and gave up shots that might have been a little too clean for New Orleans. They fell behind by 17 early in the second quarter, but then some shots actually fell and they went on a little run to cut the lead to 10 at half. The Celtics took the lead in the third but gave up a run to head into the fourth down six. They fought back to tie it, and just when it looked like Zion Williamson had every answer, Derrick White caught fire and the Celtics whipped off a huge run to pull away.

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. What’s the goal? Are they working on something specific, or are they going to play this game straight up? As much I’ve been on board with the experimentation and getting reps that are impossible to replicate in practice, a win over a good team to reset the vibes around this team has some value. A game where they answer more positive questions would be a nice change after the last two games. 

2. Stopping Zion: How do the Celtics prevent him from getting into the teeth of the defense and scoring at will? Will they single-cover him or try some creative double teams? Williamson has been good at finding teammates out of a double-team, so Boston will have to get creative. 

3. Rebounding: The best way to stop Zion is to keep him out of transition. If he gets the ball with a head of steam, the Celtics are toast. And after the way that second Hawks game went, there has to be a bigger emphasis on clearing the boards and limiting the Pelicans to one shot.

Follow along with my thoughts as the game goes on. They’ll show up below and in the comments section, so hop in and share your opinion as well.