The Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets are set to face off in an Eastern Conference showdown on Thursday night. The Nets, who are currently second in the conference with a 27-13 record, will host the first-place Celtics who hold a 30-12 record.
The game is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be broadcast live on TNT Network.
This matchup features two teams that are among the best in the league when it comes to shooting from beyond the arc. The Nets lead the league in three-point percentage at 39.2%, led by Day’Ron Sharpe’s impressive 80% shooting from deep.
The Celtics, on the other hand, are fourth in the Eastern Conference with 44.1 rebounds per game, led by Jayson Tatum’s 8.2 rebounds per game. Read more: How many games on the NBA schedule tonight – Jan.12? Watch live on TNT
The teams have already met once this season, with the Celtics coming out on top in a 103-92 victory. Jaylen Brown led the way for Boston with 34 points, while Kevin Durant had 31 for Brooklyn.
However, Durant and Brown, who scored 41 points in the Celtics’ 125-114 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, will both miss tonight’s game.
Brown has been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Nets due to left adductor tightness and could miss “a week or two,” while Durant will not be playing in this game as he is expected to be out for approximately one month with an isolated MCL sprain of his right knee.
Despite Durant’s absence, the Nets still have a formidable lineup that includes Kyrie Irving, who averages 26 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game.
The Celtics will also be looking to the likes of Marcus Smart, Derrick White, Grant Williams and Robert Williams to support Tatum.
The Nets are currently favored by 3 points and the over/under for the game is set at 227.5. With both teams boasting a wealth of talent and a high-powered offense, this game is sure to be an exciting and competitive matchup.
Tune in to TNT Network on Thursday night to catch all the action.
Boston Celtics starting lineup: PG Marcus Smart SG Derrick White SF Jayson Tatum PF Grant Williams C Robert Williams
Brooklyn Nets starting lineup: PG Kyrie Irving SG Joe Harris SF Royce O’Neale PF Ben Simmons C Nic Claxton
