The Celtics came within inches of becoming the first team in NBA history win 11 straight games after losing their season opener. However, Marcus Smart's floater rolled off the rim as the clock expired, allowing the Kings to hold onto a 100-99 victory over the Celtics in what was a back-and-forth matinee affair at the Golden 1 Center.
Jaylen Brown had a team-high 18 points for the Celtics, leading six different players in double figures for the visitors who dug out of a 15-point hole in the first half to hold the lead down the stretch. However, some timely scoring from Buddy Hield (game-high 35 points) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (12 points, 10 assists) allowed the hosts to make enough big shots down the stretch to erase a four-point deficit.
The C's now drop to 10-2 on the year and into a tie with the Lakers for the best record in the NBA.
GAME: No. 12 of 82
WHO: Celtics (10-1) vs. Kings (4-7)
WHEN: 3:30 EST
WHERE: Golden 1 Center
RADIO: 105.7 WROR
TV: NBC Sports Boston
Projected Starting Lineups:
Celtics
PG: Kemba Walker
SG: Marcus Smart
SF: Jayson Tatum
PF: Jaylen Brown
C: Daniel Theis
Kings:
PG: Cory Joseph
SG: Buddy Hield
SF: Harrison Barnes
PF: Nemanja Bjelica
C: Richaun Holmes
Pregame Notes
- The Celtics will go for their 11th consecutive win, improving on their best start to the season over 12 games in NBA history.
- Rob Williams is questionable due to a sore ankle. The injury limited his minutes in the second half of the C's win over the Warriors on Friday night.
- This matchup begins the busiest stretch of the C's season with three road games in three different cities over four days.
- The Kings will be shorthanded in this contest with De'Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley ruled out while Trevor Ariza remains questionable with a groin injury.