The two top teams of the Eastern Conference face each other on Saturday evening when the Boston Celtics welcome the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers to TD Garden. Both teams are playing their finest basketball of the year, which promises to make for an electric clash between two of the top teams in the NBA.
Match Preview
The Celtics have been among the best teams in the NBA all year, with one of the strongest rosters and a balanced system under head coach Joe Mazzulla. But they are coming off a disappointing 117-97 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, which snapped their six-game winning streak. Before that, Boston had been imperial style, going 10 of their last 12 games as they fight to regain the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Even with the loss, Boston is still a strong home team, with TD Garden being one of the toughest places for opponents to play. The Eastern Conference champions from last season are still in the running for the No. 1 seed, and with 23 games remaining in the regular season, each game carries great importance.
Their greatest test will be the Cavaliers, who are in sparkling condition. Cleveland has entered the contest on an eight-game winning spurt, cushioning their domination pre- and post-All-Star break. The Cavaliers also have won 12 of their last 13 games, 11 of those victories coming in double figures, demonstrating their stingy defense and accurate offense.
On Wednesday, they swept aside the Orlando Magic in a blowout 122-82 win, a contest in which they demonstrated their depth and ability to overwhelm even when missing some of their best players. Kenny Atkinson's club has been playing well, and a victory at TD Garden would further solidify their position as the top team in the East.
The Celtics have dominated of late, with eight of the past 11 encounters between the two clubs going in their favor in regular-season and playoff play. Cleveland's present situation shows, however, that they are well capable of turning the tables around.
Team News
Boston's injury concern is with Jaylen Brown, who rested out the loss against the Pistons with a thigh issue. It is not certain he will be available, and his loss would be a significant blow to the Celtics' offense. Luke Kornet also did not play, as he had personal issues, and it is unclear if he will participate this time.
On a positive note, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis fought through slight injury ailments to play in the last game and should be available to start versus Cleveland.
For Cleveland, All-Star point guard Darius Garland remains questionable due to a nagging hip injury. Without him, Isaac Okoro should remain in the starting lineup, with Max Strus being matched up alongside Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt.
Potential Starting Lineups
**Boston Celtics:**
- PG: Derrick White
- SG: Jrue Holiday
- SF: Jayson Tatum
- PF: Al Horford
- C: Kristaps Porzingis
Cleveland Cavaliers:
- PG: Donovan Mitchell
- SG: Max Strus
- SF: Isaac Okoro
- PF: Evan Mobley
- C: Jarrett Allen
Prediction: Celtics to Win by 10+ Points
This game is going to be a close contest between two of the Eastern Conference's top teams. The Cavaliers are playing great basketball, but on the road against a hungry Celtics team will be no easy feat. Boston is going to try to bounce back from their loss to the Pistons and make a statement against the East leaders.
Expect a tight game, but with home-court and a stout defense, the Celtics will be the one to beat. If Jaylen Brown is healthy, they could be almost sure things. A win here would put them back on track in the race for the No. 1 seed, and they should have enough offense to win by at least five.
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