Celtics Gain Depth with Jordan Walsh’s Return Ahead of Pelicans Matchup
The Boston Celtics are gearing up to rebound from recent struggles as they face the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday evening at TD Garden. The team has received a boost with Jordan Walsh being cleared for action after missing the past two games due to a non-COVID illness. Walsh’s return bolsters the team’s bench as they aim to regain their footing in the midst of a challenging stretch.
While Walsh rejoins the lineup, the Celtics will still be without a few players. Two-way wing Drew Peterson remains sidelined for the second game in a row as he recovers from a concussion. Additionally, Baylor Scheierman, JD Davison, and Anton Watson are unavailable due to their assignments with the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G-League affiliate. Despite these absences, Walsh’s presence provides the Celtics with much-needed depth for their evening clash.
This will mark just the fourth time this season that the Celtics’ primary rotation is fully intact. However, having all their key players hasn’t guaranteed consistent success. Over the last 15 games, Boston has gone 8-7, with lapses on both ends of the court. Friday’s disappointing loss to the Sacramento Kings, a sub-.500 team, highlighted the Celtics’ recent struggles. The game was Boston’s first home appearance in nine days following a grueling four-game road trip. Reflecting on the defeat, Jayson Tatum acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We just have to be better in all areas of the game.”
On the other side, the Pelicans will be without two key contributors: Brandon Ingram and Herbert Jones, who are both sidelined due to injuries. However, Zion Williamson will be back in action following a one-game suspension for breaching team rules. Dejounte Murray remains questionable with a shin injury, adding another layer of uncertainty to the Pelicans’ lineup.
The Celtics will look to capitalize on their improved depth and turn the tide on their recent inconsistent performances. The game tips off at 6 p.m., with Boston eager to secure a morale-boosting victory at TD Garden against a shorthanded Pelicans squad.
