The pelicans vs celtics matchup on Friday night carries real stakes for Boston, which can clinch the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a win at home. The game is set for 7: 30 PM ET on Friday, April 10, 2026, as the Celtics finish the final back-to-back on their regular-season schedule. Jayson Tatum is out, and New Orleans arrives with multiple key absences of its own.
Boston’s clinching path is clear
Boston enters Friday at 54-26 and can secure the second seed with either a victory over New Orleans or a Knicks loss against Toronto on Friday. The Celtics are trying to put Thursday’s loss behind them as they return to home court for their penultimate regular-season game. They will wrap up the regular season on Sunday at home against the Magic before the NBA play-in tournament begins next week and the first round of the playoffs opens on April 18.
The Celtics have been strong at home, going 28-11, and they are 7-3 in their last 10 games. They have also handled Western Conference opponents well, posting a 19-10 record in those games. Boston won the first meeting between the teams 122-90 on Oct. 28, and this is the second and final matchup of the season.
Injuries shape the night
The biggest absence for Boston is Tatum, who has not played back-to-backs since returning from his Achilles injury and is listed out for Friday. Jaylen Brown, who missed Thursday with left Achilles tendinitis, is listed as available. Derrick White, Sam Hauser, and Neemias Queta are also available after being listed on the injury report.
For New Orleans, the absences are deeper. Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson are out, along with Bryce McGowens, Yves Missi, and Dejounte Murray. Herb Jones, Saddiq Bey, and Karlo Matkovic are listed questionable for rest or injury management reasons. The Pelicans enter at 26-54 and are 9-30 on the road, a record that reflects how hard this season has been away from home.
Recent form and immediate reaction
Boston has been steadier down the stretch, while New Orleans comes in having split its last two games after a win over the Jazz on Tuesday. Jeremiah Fears scored 40 points in that game, and he is averaging 17. 9 points over the last 10 games. Saddiq Bey is averaging 17. 7 points and 5. 6 rebounds for New Orleans when available.
Injuries and timing leave little room for either side to think long term, but the playoff picture gives this one extra weight. As one Celtics official frame of the situation through the team’s injury report, Tatum is out and Brown is available, setting up a shorthanded but still high-stakes night for Boston.
What comes next
If Boston handles pelicans vs celtics, the club can move one step closer to locking in its postseason position before Sunday’s regular-season finale. If not, the Celtics may have to wait one more night to finish the job, but the path remains simple and immediate heading into the final week of the season.
