Final: Celtics 127, Suns 112 - Boston 3-pointers bury Phoenix

BOSTON CELTICS vs PHOENIX SUNS

7:30 p.m. - TNT

Line: Boston -5.5

INJURIES

Boston: Kristaps Porzingis (OUT, hamstring), Jaylen Brown (QUESTIONABLE, hip)

Phoenix: Eric Gordon (QUESTIONABLE, knee), Josh Okogie (OUT, abdominal strain), Nassir Little (PROBABLE, knee), Damion Lee (OUT, knee)

LAST TIME

Celtics 117, Suns 107 - March 9

The Celtics, and Jaylen Brown, got to the rim but struggled to make layups early on. But a late run got them a five point lead after one. Brown got up to 18 points by halftime but big contributions from Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Luke Kornet got the lead to 12 at the break. Kevin Durant had a monster third quarter and Boston got sloppy and cold, but they only lost three points off the lead. Durant continued going off and the lead dropped to just three, but Boston made the plays they needed down the stretch to win by double digits. 

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. Energy: Ahhh, the notorious first game back after a long road trip. This is always a tough game for an east team, so let’s see what they have left. This could be a big night for the energy guys off the bench if the starters struggle at all. 

2. Defending Devin Booker: He wasn’t available last week in Phoenix, but he’s back after missing a few games with an ankle injury. Let’s see if the Celtics can find any rust in his game by blitzing him when he gets the ball. Its already a weakness, so put it to the test and see if Booker can figure out what to do with it. 

3. Attack the middle: Boston had a lot of success getting to the rim in Phoenix. Keep testing that Suns defense to see if they have found any answers. 

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.