PREVIEW: The Boston Celtics arrive in New Orleans with a disappointing 0-3 record, while the Pelicans sit at 0-2, setting the stage for two struggling squads desperate for their first victory of the season. Boston's offensive profile reveals elite ball movement with the second-ranked low turnover rate and exceptional spacing, yet they rank near the bottom in defensive rebounding and attacking the rim, creating a lopsided skill set. The Celtics fell to Detroit on Sunday despite a dominant 41-point performance from Jaylen Brown, showcasing individual brilliance that hasn't translated to team success. With star forward Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles injury, Boston must navigate the road ahead without their franchise player. New Orleans enters this matchup having competed fiercely in both losses, falling to Memphis and San Antonio in overtime, demonstrating resilience despite their winless start. The Pelicans' identity centers on offensive rebounding excellence as the league's top-ranked team in that category, combined with high-frequency rim attacks, though they struggle significantly with three-point efficiency and defensive rim protection. Zion Williamson continues generating double-doubles with 27 points and 10 rebounds while Jordan Poole and Trey Murphy provide secondary scoring punch. The Celtics face a brutal scheduling spot on the back end of a back-to-back, while New Orleans enjoys an extra day of rest at home.