As it must be said with all preseason games, don’t put too much stock in what you see when the Boston Celtics take on the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden this Friday, Dec. 18.
Boston is resting one of three best players in Kemba Walker, and is also without one of its two best bigs (Tristan Thompson) and a key wing (Romeo Langford) while the Nets are likely to still be a little rusty as they try to integrate two top-20 talents. Add in that the Celtics are using their pair of preseason contests to evaluate and develop the youth on their bench and you can begin to see why this tilt may be much less representative of either team than when the franchises meet again on Dec. 22nd.
Nets’ Kyrie Irving reportedly likely to play at TD Garden vs Celtics https://t.co/zkOTcqlDDx
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 18, 2020
The Celtics lost their preseason opener to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, Dec. 15, but were competitive despite playing their bench considerably more than the Sixers did.
Brooklyn looked much more cohesive in their preseason debut against the Washington Wizards Sunday night, though it’s fair to say they did it against what’s likely to remain one of the NBA’s worst defenses in 2020-21.
Celtics vs. Nets: Live stream, how to watch, TV channel, start time 12/18 https://t.co/64wq0p6qry
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 18, 2020
THINGS TO WATCH FOR
As we’ve noted, for the Celtics this is going to be used primarily to develop and assess the bench, especially the team’s fringe players who will need to find a role in a hurry to not end up ballast in a trade deadline deal.
To that end, expect funky lineups that are more about seeing what those players can accomplish trying new things or facing tougher-than-usual assignments.
As for the Nets, keep an eye on how well the team defends together in Kyrie Irving’s return to TD Garden — a potential weak spot for this juggernaut — as well as how explosive superstar forward Kevin Durant has post-achilles injury.
Celtics vs. Nets injury report 12/18: Theis back in the fold https://t.co/WZsmmjMIkk
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 18, 2020
We have previously covered the state of each team’s roster in terms of injury, with the Celtics inching back towards full health and the Nets not far from it.
The friendly tips off at 8pm ET this Friday, December 18th; if you haven’t already made your plans on how to watch, we’ve got you covered there too.
