The 39-17 Boston Celtics travel to Portland, Oregon to face off with the Trail Blazers Tuesday evening as the Blazers fight for a playoff spot over the 2019-20 season’s final stretch.
Boston looks to shake off the sour taste of a close loss to their longtime rival Los Angeles Lakers over the weekend, but have won eight of their last ten games compared to Portland’s five over the same stretch.
Both clubs will have significant injury concerns heading into the contest, with the Celtics down All-Star point guard Kemba Walker (knee) and center Robert Williams III (hip).
Williams is nearing a return from an injury dating back to early December 2019, perhaps as soon as March 1.
Two way center Tacko Fall may also be unavailable after exiting a Maine Red Claws game early with an undisclosed injury Saturday.
The Blazers are especially beset with injury, and will be without All-NBA point guard Damian Lillard (groin) and forward Zach Collins (shoulder) among the recently-waylaid.
Small forward Rodney Hood (Achilles) and Jusuf Nurkic (leg/calf) continue to rehab from serious injury.
While both teams at full health would be a much more competitive meeting, with so many important players missing from Portland’s rotation, the Celtics should be able to pull off the road win even without Walker available.
Most online bookmakers tend to agree, with an average spread of +5.5 being given to the Blazers.
