Sam Hauser scores 24, Celtics hit 29 3s, rout Pelicans 144-118 to clinch East's No. 2 playoff seed

BOSTON (AP) — Sam Hauser had 24 points on eight 3-pointers, and the Boston Celtics tied the franchise and NBA record with 29 3s on their way to clinching the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 playoff seed with a 144-118 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.

Jaylen Brown added 23 points in 29 minutes, sitting out the entire fourth quarter. Payton Pritchard finished with 21 points and 10 assists for Boston, which clinched the Atlantic Division.

The Celtics’ 29 3s equal their total from Oct. 22, 2024 against the Knicks. The Memphis Grizzlies (April 6 vs. Cleveland) and Milwaukee Bucks (Dec. 29, 2020 at Miami) also share the record.

Big man Neemias Queta even got in on the action for Boston, knocking down his first career 3 to go along with 10 rebounds. Eight different Celtics players had at least two.

Boston led by as many as 41 points against a Pelicans team missing several starters.

The 3-point onslaught was ignited by Brown. He returned to the lineup after sitting out Thursday’s loss at New York with left Achilles tendinitis and scored 12 first-quarter points to help the Celtics build an early 22-point cushion.

Boston also did it without Jayson Tatum, who hasn’t played in back-to-back nights since his return from Achilles tendon surgery. He was given the night off to rest.

Jeremiah Fears led the Pelicans with 36 points. Derik Queen added 25 points and 11 rebounds. New Orleans, which will miss the playoffs for the second straight year, has lost nine of its last 10 games.

The Pelicans were again without top players Zion Williamson (right knee), Herb Jones (rest), Saddiq Bey (rest), Trey Murphy III (right ankle sprain) and Dejounte Murray (bruised left hand).

Pelicans: At Minnesota on Sunday.

Celtics: Host Magic on Sunday.

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Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard Micah Peavy (14) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) takes a 3-point shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) takes a 3-point shot over New Orleans Pelicans guard Micah Peavy during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard Micah Peavy, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, April 10, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

TORONTO (AP) — Minnesota Twins infielder Royce Lewis is headed to the 10-day injured list because of a sprained left knee, manager Derek Shelton said after Friday night's 10-4 loss at Toronto.

Right-hander Cody Laweryson will go on the 15-day IL because of a right forearm strain, Shelton said. The Twins will make corresponding roster moves before Saturday’s game against the Blue Jays.

Lewis, who is batting .222 with two homers and eight RBIs, injured his knee on a swing in Thursday’s home win over Detroit. He stayed in that game but did not play Friday.

The first overall pick in the 2017 draft, Lewis has been plagued by injuries in his career, including tearing the ACL in his right knee in both 2021 and 2022.

Laweryson has a 4.26 ERA and one save in five appearances. He has struck out eight and walked two over 6 1/3 innings.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Minnesota Twins pitcher Cody Laweryson reacts during the eighth inning of baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)

Minnesota Twins' Royce Lewis celebrates after hitting a single to score 2 runs batted in during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)

Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis celebrates after hitting a single to drive in a run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays Friday, April 3, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)