Sunday afternoon at TD Garden, the Boston Celtics (47-12, 28-3 at home) will host the Warriors of the Golden State (37-27, 16-12 away) for the last match of their regular season series. The Warriors currently lead 1-0. In its history of 349 regular season games against Golden State, the Celtics holding an impressive record of 209-140.
Today’s game marks the conclusion of Boston’s short homestand, with wins over the Mavericks, 76ers and Knicks.
Although Golden State holds the 10th seed in the Western Conference, this game is of significant importance to Boston. Beyond aiming to extend their winning streak, it is a chance for revenge after that of 2022. NBA Finals. Every time these teams meet in a primetime showdown, the anticipation of intense competition is guaranteed.
In their first matchup on December 19, the Warriors earned a 132-126 victory over the Celtics in Golden State, despite the absence of Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White and Jaylen Brown collectively contributed 58 points for the Celtics.
Boston ultimately lost the game in overtime, ending their five-game winning streak. Unfortunately, the Celtics failed to grab a crucial rebound in the final seconds, leading to a Steph Curry three-pointer at the buzzer. Despite a 17-point lead, Boston was unable to maintain it, allowing the Warriors to come back and secure the victory.
The team as a whole faced challenges, shooting just 41.2 percent from the field and 29.3 percent from beyond the arc. Golden State asserted its dominance in rebounds and assists while posting a success rate of nearly 40% at three points. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson teamed up for a combined 57 points, while Draymond Green was out due to suspension.
Currently on a ten-game winning streak, the Celtics have the best record in the NBA. With a remarkable +10 point differential, Boston recently earned a decisive 138-110 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night.
Leading the Cleveland Cavaliers by eight games, the Celtics maintain the league’s best offensive rating at 121.5 and rank top three on defense. Additionally, they dominate the boards, leading the NBA with an average of 47.1 rebounds per game. In 59 games, Joe Mazzulla’s team holds a +10 lead in the league. Undefeated in its last ten games, Boston is 14-6 against Western Conference teams this season.
Starting Tuesday, Boston faces tough matchups on the road next weekend, taking on the Cavaliers, Nuggets and Suns. Their matchup with Cleveland kicks off a four-game road trip for the Celtics.
With 23 games remaining in the regular season, it is crucial to monitor how the Celtics perform during their upcoming tough five-game stretch. Golden State, going 8-2 in their last ten games, has hit their stride, making it intriguing to see how Boston stacks up against them, especially with Steph Curry’s impressive performance. Right now, it’s doubtful Curry will play.
In this game, the return of Draymond Green to the Golden State lineup should have a significant defensive impact. Additionally, the potential inclusion of rookie Brandin Podziemski, which is a game-time decision, could be crucial if he takes the field tonight. In the previous game against Boston, Podziemski left the locker room in the second half, which could affect his availability and potential impact in this game.
Although the Warriors are on a three-game winning streak, they will be missing Andrew Wiggins, who has been outstanding over the last ten games. His absence will likely be a significant relief for Boston, as Wiggins has shot an impressive 50 percent from beyond the arc during this span.
In some ways, I’d like to see Boston face a healthy Warriors team, especially since Mazzulla has experimented with Xavier Tillman and different rotation combinations. While it may not be possible, the Celtics only have a limited number of games before facing several sub-.500 teams at the end of the year.
For Golden State, they are on the final leg of their four-game road trip, after Sunday’s game they will host a mini home stand against the Bucks, Bulls and Spurs.
While the Celtics were fully healthy in their last game, Kristaps Porzingis is now listed as a game decision due to a quad injury suffered against the Dallas Mavericks. It’s worth mentioning that he hasn’t faced the Warriors this season and may miss another game. Whether Coach Mazzulla chooses to rest him or not, the Celtics will prioritize his game management, especially as the playoffs approach.
Neemias Queta, who was most recently with the Maine Celtics, is listed as suffering from knee hyperextension.
Celtics likely starters
Celtics regular starters
- PG, #4: Jrue Vacation
- SG, n°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 player)
- F, #12: Oshae Brissett
- F, #30: Sam Hauser
- F #26: Xavier Tillman
- F, #13: Drew Peterson (2-way player)
- F, #42: Al Horford
- C, #40: Luke Kornet
- C, #88: Neemias Queta (2-way player)
Injuries
- Kristaps Porzingis: daily (quadruple contusion)
- Neemias Queta: OUT (knee hyperextension)
Head coach of the Boston Celtics
Joe Mazzulla
Warriors Likely Starters
Regular starting warriors
- PG, #30: Steph Curry
- SG, #2: Brandin Podziemski
- SF, #22: Andrew Wiggins
- PF, #00: Jonathan Kuminga
- C: #23: Draymond Green
Warrior Reserves
- G, #3: Chris Paul
- G, #0: Gary Payton II
- G, #4: Moses Moody
- G, #11: Klay Thompson
- G, #25: Lester Quinones
- G, #18: Jérôme Robinson (2-way player)
- G, #61: Pat Spencer (2-way player)
- F, #20: Dario Saric
- F, #12: Usman Garuba (2-way player)
- F, #5: Kevon Looney
- F, #32: Tracey Jackson-Davis
- F, #15: Gui Santos
Injuries
- Steph Curry: daily (knee bursitis)
- Brandin Podziemski: daily (knee)
- Andrew Wiggins: OUT (personal)
- Gui Santos: OUT (knee)
Head coach of the Golden State Warriors
Steve Kerr
Keys to a Cs victory
Advantage of the land: I say this every time the Celtics are at home. They hold the NBA’s best record of 28-3 at home and have yet another top game at TD Garden. Boston has been spectacular at home, averaging 122.8 points, with an 8-2 record at home. Additionally, Boston is shooting 49.2 percent from the floor and 39.5 percent from deep in the yard. Once again, the numbers speak for themselves and they must take advantage of their home ground and their fans.
Bounce : The Celtics’ rebounding dominance is well known throughout the league. However, if Porzingis is sidelined, he could face an even bigger challenge. If Curry and Podziemski are unavailable for today’s game, the Warriors will likely deploy Green at center, opting for a smaller lineup. In such a scenario, Boston will have to capitalize on this size advantage.
In their previous game against Golden State, the Warriors overwhelmed the Celtics 59-55 and controlled the defensive boards. During their ten-game winning streak, Green has averaged over 45 rebounds per game and 50.8 rebounds in their last six games at TD. Garden.
Second Chance Points: As mentioned previously, removing and grabbing boards is important to prevent second chance opportunities. Last game, Boston dominated in second-chance points, and it will be critical that Al Horford, Tatum and the rest of the team step up if KP is unable to suit up. The Celtics lead the league with 8.0 boxouts and will need to continue this afternoon.
Touches of paint: In their previous meeting, Boston managed to outscore the Warriors 56-54 in the paint. Even when their shots aren’t falling, the Celtics have shown resilience in finding alternative paths to victory, often through strong interior play. In their recent game against the Mavericks, Boston scored 62 points in the paint, highlighting the importance of their presence inside to secure victory.
Defense: Defense wins championships and games. Mazzulla and the Celtics pride themselves on their defense, and that’s why they’re a top-five team in this category. Over the last ten games, they have held their opponents to just 106.2 points per game and need to have that mindset heading into this game. In their last meeting, they allowed the Warriors to shoot over 40 percent from the floor and beyond the perimeter, and couldn’t match them. Limiting points on turnovers and locking down Curry will be key.
Players to watch:
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Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
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Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images
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Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Steph Curry (Golden State Warriors): Although he is considered questionable for today’s game, he is playing incredible basketball this season, especially against the Celtics. In one game against Boston, he had 33 points and 6 assists, shooting 54.4 percent from three-point range and 52.4 percent from the floor. If he is able to suit up, it will be difficult to contain Curry.
Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics): Jaylen Brown has played incredible basketball this season and should have a decent game, especially if Curry and Podiemski can’t play. In a game against the Warriors, he scored 28 points, 7 assists and 8 rebounds, shooting 45.5% on field goal. If Porzingis is also out, expect Brown to be active on rebounds as well.
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