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Sunday afternoon on the TD Backyard, the Boston Celtics (47-12, 28-3 dwelling) will welcome the Golden State Warriors (37-27, 16-12 away) for the ultimate recreation of their common season collection. The Warriors presently lead 1-0. Of their historical past of 349 common season video games in opposition to Golden State, the Celtics maintain a commanding 209-140 file.
At present’s recreation marks the conclusion of Boston’s brief dwelling stint, with victories over the Mavericks, 76ers, and Knicks.
Though Golden State holds the tenth seed within the Western Convention, this matchup holds important significance for Boston. Past aiming to extend their profitable streak, it’s an opportunity for revenge following the 2022 NBA Finals. Every time these groups meet in a prime-time showdown, anticipation for an intense contest is assured.
Of their preliminary conflict on December 19, the Warriors secured a 132-126 victory over the Celtics in Golden State, regardless of the absence of Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White and Jaylen Brown collectively contributed 58 factors for the Celtics.
Boston in the end misplaced the sport in additional time, ending their then five-game profitable streak. Sadly, the Celtics couldn’t seize a vital rebound within the closing seconds, resulting in a three-pointer by Steph Curry on the buzzer. Regardless of holding a 17-point lead, Boston couldn’t keep it, permitting the Warriors to come back again and safe the win.
The workforce as a complete confronted challenges, capturing solely 41.2 % from the sphere and 29.3 % from past the arc. Golden State asserted dominance in rebounds and assists whereas boasting practically a 40 % success price from three-point vary. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson teamed up for a complete of 57 factors, whereas Draymond Inexperienced was absent because of suspension.
Presently on a ten-game profitable streak, the Celtics boast the NBA’s high file. With a exceptional +10 level differential, Boston not too long ago secured a decisive 138-110 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday evening.
Main the Cleveland Cavaliers by eight video games, the Celtics keep the league’s finest offensive score at 121.5 and rank among the many high three defensively. Moreover, they dominate the boards, main the NBA with a median of 47.1 rebounds per recreation. Via 59 video games, Joe Mazzullas squad holds a league main plus/minus of +10. Undefeated of their final ten video games, Boston is 14-6 in opposition to Western Convention groups this season.
Starting on Tuesday, Boston faces difficult street matchups subsequent weekend, squaring off in opposition to the Cavaliers, Nuggets, and Suns. Their conflict with Cleveland kicks off a four-game street journey for the Celtics.
With 23 video games remaining within the common season, it’s essential to watch how the Celtics will fare of their upcoming difficult five-game stretch. Golden State, boasting an 8-2 file of their final ten video games, has hit their stride, making it intriguing to see how Boston matches up in opposition to them, significantly with the spectacular efficiency of Steph Curry. As of proper now, Curry is questionable to play.
On this matchup, the return of Draymond Inexperienced to the lineup for Golden State is predicted to have a big influence defensively. Moreover, the potential inclusion of rookie Brandin Podziemski, who’s a game-time choice, could possibly be pivotal if he takes the court docket tonight. Within the earlier recreation in opposition to Boston, Podziemski exited to the locker room through the second half, which might have an effect on his availability and potential influence on this recreation.
Regardless of the Warriors being on a three-game win streak, they are going to be lacking Andrew Wiggins, who has been distinctive during the last ten video games. His absence will seemingly come as a big aid for Boston, as Wiggins has been capturing a powerful 50 % from past the arc throughout this span.
In a manner, I’d wish to see Boston matchup with a completely wholesome Warriors workforce, particularly since Mazzulla has been experimenting with Xavier Tillman and totally different mixtures of rotations. Whereas this might not be doable, the Celtics solely have so many video games earlier than they play a number of sub-.500 groups on the finish of the yr.
For Golden State, they’re on the final leg of their four-game street journey, after Sunday’s contest, they’ll host a mini dwelling stand in opposition to the Bucks, Bulls, and Spurs.
Whereas the Celtics had been absolutely wholesome of their final recreation, Kristaps Porzingis is now listed as a game-time choice because of a quad damage sustained in opposition to the Dallas Mavericks. It’s price mentioning that he hasn’t confronted the Warriors this season, and there’s a threat he would possibly miss one other recreation. Whether or not Coach Mazzulla opts to relaxation him or not, the Celtics will prioritize his recreation administration, particularly with the playoffs quickly approaching.
Neemias Queta, who was not too long ago with the Maine Celtics, is listed as out to a hyperextension of his knee.
Possible Celtics Starters
Grid View
Celtics Common Starters
PG, #4 : Jrue Vacation
SG, #9: Derrick White
SF, #7: Jaylen Brown
PF, #0: Jayson Tatum
C: #8: Kristaps Porzingis
Celtics Reserves
G, #11: Jaden Springer
G, #50: Svi Mykhailiuk
G, #11: Payton Pritchard
G, #27: Jordan Walsh
G, #20: JD Davidson (2-way participant)
F, #12: Oshae Brissett
F, #30: Sam Hauser
F #26: Xavier Tillman
F, #13: Drew Peterson (2-way participant)
F, #42: Al Horford
C, #40: Luke Kornet
C, #88: Neemias Queta (2-way participant)
Accidents
Kristaps Porzingis: day-to day (quad contusion)
Neemias Queta: OUT (Knee hyperextension)
Boston Celtics Head Coach
Joe Mazzulla
Possible Warriors Starters
Grid View
Warriors Common Starters
PG, #30: Steph Curry
SG, #2: Brandin Podziemski
SF, #22: Andrew Wiggins
PF, #00: Jonathan Kuminga
C: #23: Draymond Inexperienced
Warriors Reserves
G, #3: Chris Paul
G, #0: Gary Payton II
G, #4: Moses Moody
G, #11: Klay Thompson
G, #25: Lester Quinones
G, #18: Jerome Robinson (2-way participant)
G, #61: Pat Spencer (2- manner participant)
F, #20: Dario Saric
F, #12: Usman Garuba (2-way participant)
F, #5: Kevon Looney
F, #32: Trayce Jackson-Davis
F, #15: Gui Santos
Accidents
Steph Curry: day-to-day (knee bursitis)
Brandin Podziemski: day-to-day (knee)
Andrew Wiggins: OUT (private)
Gui Santos: OUT (knee)
Golden State Warriors Head Coach
Steve Kerr
Keys for a Cs win
Residence court docket benefit: I say this each time the Celtics are at dwelling. They maintain an NBA finest 28-3 file at dwelling, and as soon as once more have one other prime matchup on the TD Backyard. Boston has been spectacular at dwelling, averaging 122.8 factors, with a 8-2 file at dwelling. As well as, Boston is capturing 49.2 % from the ground, and 39.5 % from deep on the backyard. As soon as once more, the numbers converse for themselves, and they should make the most of their dwelling turf and followers.
Rebounding: The Celtics’ dominance in rebounding is well-known all through the league. Nonetheless, if Porzingis is sidelined, they could face a fair higher problem. Ought to Curry and Podziemski be unavailable for immediately’s recreation, the Warriors are prone to deploy Inexperienced on the middle place, choosing a smaller lineup. In such a situation, Boston might want to capitalize on this dimension benefit.
Of their earlier matchup in opposition to Golden State, the Warriors outrebounded the Celtics 59-55 and managed the defensive boards.Over their ten recreation win streak, the inexperienced is averaging over 45 boards per recreation, and 50.8 rebounds of their final six video games on the TD Backyard.
Second likelihood factors: As talked about beforehand, boxing out and grabbing boards are vital in stopping second likelihood alternatives. Final matchup, Boston dominated in second likelihood factors, and it is going to be very important that Al Horford, Tatum and the remainder of the workforce steps up if KP is unable to swimsuit up. The Celtics lead the league in 8.0 boxouts, and might want to proceed that this afternoon.
Paint touches: Of their earlier assembly, Boston managed to outscore the Warriors 56-54 within the paint. Even when their photographs aren’t falling, the Celtics have proven resilience by discovering different pathways to victory, typically by sturdy inside play. Of their latest matchup in opposition to the Mavericks, Boston scored a whopping 62 factors within the paint, underscoring the significance of their inside presence in securing the win.
Protection: Protection wins championships and video games. Mazzulla and the Celtics satisfaction themselves on protection, and that’s why they’re a high 5 workforce in that class. Over the past ten video games, they’re holding opponents to only 106.2 factors per recreation, and have to have that mindset heading into this matchup. Of their final assembly, they allowed the Warriors to shot over 40 % from the ground and past the perimeter, and couldn’t match them. Limiting factors off turnovers, and locking up Curry shall be key.
Gamers to observe:
Grid View
Picture by Stacy Revere/Getty Photos
Picture by Cole Burston/Getty Photos
Picture by Ezra Shaw/Getty Photos
Steph Curry (Golden State Warriors): Though he’s listed as questionable for immediately’s matchup, he’s enjoying unbelievable basketball this season, particularly in opposition to the Celtics. In a single recreation in opposition to Boston, he cooked up for 33 factors, and 6 assists, on 54.4 % three-point capturing, and 52.4 % from the ground. If he’s capable of swimsuit up, it’s going to be tough to comprise Curry.
Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics): Jaylen Brown has been enjoying unbelievable basketball this season, and will have an honest matchup, particularly if Curry and Podiemski are unable to play. In a single matchup in opposition to the Warriors, he poured in 28 factors, 7 assists, and eight rebounds, on 45.5 % subject aim capturing. If Porzingis is out as properly, anticipate Brown to be energetic on the rebounds as properly.
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