Final: Celtics 144, Kings 119 - Five Celtics score 20 in offensive explosion

BOSTON CELTICS at SACRAMENTO KINGS

10:00 p.m., NBC Sports Boston, NBA TV

Line: Sacramento -2.5

INJURIES

Boston: Jayson Tatum (OUT, left ankle sprain), Al Horford (OUT, rest), Luke Kornet (OUT, left adductor strain)

Sacramento: Alex Len (OUT, ankle), Malik Monk (QUESTIONABLE, foot)

NOTES:

- This is the first time this season Boston is not favored.

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. Keeping pace: The Kings on a back-to-back is going to be tough, especially shorthanded. I think the Celtics will come out strong, but teams in this situation (road back-to-back, sixth game in nine nights) have a tendency to fade. Can they keep pace early and stay there the whole game? 

2. Who steps up: Joe Mazzulla has no choice but to go deep into his bench. The second game of a back-to-back, without Tatum, Horford, and Kornet, is going to be a big challenge. Someone deep off the bench is going to have to come in and make a big contribution. 

3. Hauser getting back on track: I’m hoping he finds his shooting touch after the 0-6 night. As much as I’ve enjoyed watching him do other things, he still has to do the one thing he’s there to do. 

Follow along with my thoughts as the game goes on. They’ll show up below and in the comments section, so hop in and share your opinion as well.