Final: Celtics 101, Kings 100 - C's sit starters late, hold off Kings comeback

BOSTON CELTICS vs. SACRAMENTO KINGS

7:30 p.m. - NBC Sports Boston/NBA TV

Line: Boston - 9.5

INJURIES

Boston: Jaylen Brown (OUT, hand), Derrick White (OUT, back) Jaden Springer (OUT, knee)

Sacramento: Kevin Huerter (OUT, shoulder), Malik Monk (OUT, knee)

LAST TIME

Celtics 144, Kings 119 - December 20

The Celtics answered a 23-11 Kings run with a 13-0 run to avoid an early blowout and engage in a 3-point shootout (19 combined) in the first. Sacramento took a three point lead into the second, but Boston’s defense frustrated the Kings while the offense kept pouring in the points. That carried on in a big way in the third, which Boston won 39-24 thanks in large part to Kristaps Porzings’ play on both ends, and into the fourth as Boston never looked back.

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. Lineups: It’ll be a weird lineup night for Boston. We could see some interesting lineups in there during what would normally be key stretches. I wouldn’t even mind seeing a Tatum-less closing lineup just to see how that would look. I can absolutely see Joe Mazzulla sit Tatum over the final five minutes of a close game just to try things out. 

2. Negating Domantas Sabonis: The Kings have plenty to play for as they try to avoid falling into the West play-in tournament. So whichever group is out there, they owe it to the Kings and their competition to give it their all. The number one thing I’m looking for on the floor is limiting Sabonis’ passing. He’s been a triple-double machine, so the Celtics have to make sure they're aware of cutters and take away those options. 

3. Health: Just get through these last few games without any bumps and bruises. That's all I ask. 

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.