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The New Orleans Pelicans host the Boston Celtics in Monday’s NBA showdown at Smoothie King Center, with both sides eyeing their first league win of the 2025/26 season. The Pelicans suffered two narrow losses, 128-122 in the season opener against the Memphis Grizzlies and 120-116 against the San Antonio Spurs.One of the major reasons for the Pelicans’ struggles has been their injury issues. Coach Willie Green has been forced to deal with a number of crises, including new center Kevon Looney and star guard Dejounte Murray facing lengthy periods on the sidelines.To add to the absence of their key players, sophomore Yves Missi (questionable with an ankle injury) and Karlo Matkovic (questionable with a back injury) are two other pillars of the offensive unit who were expected to provide much depth, minutes and output for the team.Missi is the only player among the four who has seen significant action already this season. He played 23 minutes in the season opener against the Grizzlies before exiting the game with an ankle injury.Green issued a positive injury update on Sunday. He said Missi is on the road back to full fitness and is making good progress after taking part in full-court practice. Matkovic also hopes to be in contention quicker than expected.DeAndre Jordan to Make Season Debut vs. CelticsWhile Yves Missi (ankle) and Karlo Matkovic (back) are both listed as questionable on the injury report, DeAndre Jordan has been cleared and is set to make his season debut on Monday after signing a one-year deal with the Pelicans last week.The veteran big man won't be a guaranteed starter against the Celtics; he'll most likely fill in some minutes in the rotation if Yves Missi (ankle) and Karlo Matkovic (back) do not receive clearance.He averaged 3.7 REB, 5.1 AST, and shot 65.0% FG last season with the Denver Nuggets. This is Jordan's 18th season and most probably his last.Pelicans vs. Boston Celtics Head-to-Head and How to WatchThe Pelicans fans won't want to remember the last season's meeting between the two, as their team suffered agonizingly close regular-season losses. The Boston outfit have won all eight of the most recent clashes, meaning the Pelicans haven't beaten them since 2021.The game will take place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Tip-off is at 8:00 p.m. ET. This game will be televised on NBC Sports Boston and Gulf Coast Sports, with streaming options available on Peacock and the Fubo platform.
