Boston Celtics injury news: Cs dodging 2 Pelicans All-Stars Wednesday

The Boston Celtics got good injury news luck for Wednesday, January 9’s matchup between the Cs and the New Orleans Pelicans in the probable designations for Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III — but their opponent will not be not so lucky, with their top two All-Stars being ruled out.

Zion Williamson, who left a January 2 game against the Philadelphia 76ers early, will remain out with a hamstring sprain and will be re-evaluated in a few weeks. Brandon Ingram, on the other hand, has not played since late November due to a left-toe injury.

Double-digit points-per-game scorer Herb Jones, who has started all 29 games he has appeared in during the 2022-23 season, will also be missing Wednesday’s contest with a back injury.

The Boston Celtics are heavily favored due to New Orleans’ injuries

With the Pelicans missing so many key pieces in their rotation, the Boston Celtics are heavy favorites against New Orleans for the two teams’ Wednesday, January 11 inter-conference collision. As of this writing, the Cs are -9.5 point favorites on WynnBET.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Boston will have its stars intact, its supporting cast almost completely healthy, and will be within the friendly confines of the TD Garden. While none of that guarantees a cakewalk for the Cs — especially since the Pelicans are actually 6-3 without Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram in the lineup — there’s plenty of reasons to be optimistic about Wednesday.

Who can step up for the Pelicans against the Boston Celtics

CJ McCollum has been the top option for the Pelicans in the absence of their top stars, and he could present the most problems for Boston on Wednesday. Jonas Valančiūnas could also present a problem down low with his back-to-the-basket scoring.

Other players to watch for New Orleans include Jose Alvarado, Larry Nance Jr., and Devonte Graham.