Final: Celtics 114, Jazz 108 - C's survive scare on Hauser's career night

BOSTON CELTICS (46-18) vs. UTAH JAZZ (15-49)

TD Garden, 7:30 p.m. - NBCS Boston

Line: Celtics -16.5

INJURIES

Boston: Kristaps Porzingis (OUT, illness), Jayson Tatum (OUT, knee), Al Horford (OUT, toe)

Utah: Jordan Clarkson (OUT, plantar fasciitis), Keyonte George (OUT, foot), Taylor Hendricks (OUT, leg), John Collins (QUESTIONABLE, back), Jaden Springer (QUESTIONABLE, back), Lauri Markkanen (QUESTIONABLE, back)

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. Attacking:  There won’t be a lot of rim protection out there for Utah, so the Celtics should attack and get to the rim. This is obviously a bad team, so the more decisions they have to make, the easier things will be. Running pick-and-roll, attacking, and forcing help is the best way to do that. Don’t just rely on jumpers because you’re tired. Put the effort in early and the rest will come later.

2. Defend: The Jazz give up the most points off turnovers and most fast break points (basically the same stat). The Celtics are shorthanded, but they still have some high-level defenders on the floor. Don’t just rely on the offense. 

3. Crash the glass: The Jazz will give uip second chances, so make them pay for it. The Celtics are great at crashing from the corners when they put their minds to it. Between forcing turnovers and second chances, I think Boston can take 100 shots tonight.

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.