Final: Celtics 135, Thunder 100 - C's get 60th win, clinch top overall seed

BOSTON CELTICS vs. OKC THUNDER

7:30 p.m. - ESPN/NBC Sports Boston

Line: Boston - 9.5

INJURIES

Boston: Jaden Springer (OUT, knee)

OKC: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OUT, quad), Jalen Williams (OUT, ankle)

NOTES

• A win clinches the top overall seed for Boston
• OKC is on a back-to-back (lost to Philadelphia last night)

LAST TIME

Thunder 127, Celtics 123 - January 2

OKC came out hitting their shots early, taking a couple of early leads as big as eight, but Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White took turns making different kinds of important plays to keep things close. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown woke up from early doldrums to key a run to give Boston a halftime lead. The third quarter belonged to OKC in a big way, With Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey combining for 27 and Boston putting up only 25. The lead grew to 18 halfway through the fourth, but a furious Celtics comeback cut it to two twice in the final minute, but the Thunder closed it out at the free throw line. 

THINGS I’M LOOKING FOR

1. Focus: Boston only needs one more win to clinch the NBA's overall seed, so there's no real urgency here. We all know that the Celtics have a history of playing down to an opponent missing their star player. It hasn't been as much of a problem this season, but it's something to watch for. Without SGA, the Thunder are missing their closer and this game is missing a little bit of juice. It would be nice to see the Celtics take care of business fairly early.

2. Take the first punch: The Thunder played Philadelphia tough last night and lost a tight one. I would expect them to come out tough to start and fade late. No matter what kind of pressure they're putting on the defense by driving the ball, it’s important to stick to the principles and keep answering. I know the first game back off a long road trip is tough for the home team, so these first two items will be tested. 

3. Protect the ball: No matter who is on the floor, OKC pressures the ball, gets into passing lanes, and runs off turnovers. If Boston is focused, they can protect the ball and avoid the turnovers, but if they're sloppy and tired, this could be messy. 

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.