(Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Final: Celtics 117, Spurs 98 - C's cruise to 20th straight home win
BOSTON CELTICS vs. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
7:30 p.m. - NBC Sports Boston
Line: Boston -15.5
INJURIES
Boston: Derrick White (OUT, ankle), Kristaps Porzingis (OUT, knee)
San Antonio: Zach Collins (OUT, ankle), Charles Bassey (OUT, ACL), Sidy Cissoko (OUT, ankle)
NOTES
- Joe Mazzulla said pregame that there isn't any concern when it comes to Boston injuries, and he doesn’t expect anyone to be out beyond this game.
- Jayson Tatum is the only player in the NBA averaging at least 27.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and less than 3.0 turnovers per game this season
- Tatum and Jaylen Brown are also the only two players in the Eastern Conference averaging 23.0 PPG, 45.0 FG%, 36.0 3FG%, and 5.0 RPG this season.
LAST TIME
Derrick White and Jaylen Brown each had eight points to pace the Celtics in the first to take an eight point lead. They added four to that in the second, but the first half just felt casual with light defensive effort. That changed in the third quarter when Boston flexed, San Antonio turtled, and the lead ballooned to 30. It was garbage time after that.
THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR
1. Fluidity: Missing White and Porzingis might actually be the most disruptive duo to miss a game for Boston, and yes I’m including Tatum and Brown. White and Porzingis provide stability and fluidity to Boston’s offense, giving them a matchup problem to lean on and one of the highest IQ players in the league to run things. Without them, the offense risks devolving into a little too much isolation and moments of indecision. The Celtics are going to have to fight for their offense tonight.
2. Mentality: Where are their heads tonight? With Denver here on Friday and an easy win over the Spurs still somewhat fresh in their minds, are they going to be fully focused on the task at hand? In a sense, the absences of White and Porzingis help that mentality because the team is going to have to stay focused to overcome their absences. Brown sitting out the last game also gives him some fresh legs.
3. Bench contribution: Whenever a couple of starters are out, two guys get elevated from the bench. Obviously, Al Horford will be one of them. Whomever takes the second spot leaves a second hole off the bench where someone who doesn’t usually get an opportunity suddenly gets good minutes. Who will that be, and can Boston get a big enough contribution where they can hold onto any potential leads?
I don’t think Mazzulla is going to go nuts with starter minutes, so bench guys are going to sink or swim on their own today.
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.