The bad news is that if the Boston Celtics are going to get revenge for their season-opening loss against the Philadelphia 76ers, they are going to have to do it without their most capable defender in Marcus Smart.
The good news is that forward Gordon Hayward will be available despite a blow to the head in Wednesday night’s loss to the Indiana Pacers that forced the Butler product out of the game early.
The Celtics announced that second-year center Robert Williams III will also miss tonight’s game, still recovering from a sore left hip.
Expect a big uptick in minutes for Turkish big man Enes Kanter to adapt to the 76ers’ much larger starting five, though with former Celtic Al Horford being listed as questionable for the match, size may be a bit less of an issue should the Florida product rest.
Hayward’s availability will provide additional options on both ends of the floor that will hopefully put less of offensive burden on All-NBA guard Kemba Walker than he shouldered vs. Indiana.
We may also see significant time with rookie Grant Williams and forward Semi Ojeleye as small-ball fives should head coach Brad Stevens try to make the most of Boston’s speed advantage.
Tip-off for the match is 8pm ET: it will be broadcast on TNT.
