The 27-14 Boston Celtics face their longtime rival 34-8 Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden today on Martin Luther King Day at 7:30pm ET.
Boston has stumbled of late, losing its last three games and winning just four of their last ten. Los Angeles, in contrast, has only lost one game over a similar stretch, possessing the second-best record in the NBA for their efforts.
It will be the first meeting of the two teams this season, and former Celtic Avery Bradley’s first return to TD Garden as a member of Boston’s nemesis.
The Celtics will play without center Robert Williams III, out recuperating from a left hip bone edema until at least the All-Star break, and could be without starters Jaylen Brown (thumb) and Kemba Walker (knee), both of whom have missed recent games due to the wear-and-tear of the season.
The Lakers are also a little banged up, with DeMarcus Cousins continuing to be out while recuperating from a torn ACL, and former Celtic Rajon Rondo (finger) questionable as well.
Rookie Carsen Edwards was recalled from the Maine Red Claws, and will be with the team as well.
There was doubt about whether center Anthony Davis would play after spending time out to recover from a bruised posterior, but team reporter Mike Trudell reports he will play against Boston.
The Celtics will have their work cut out for them even if they are only down Williams for the contest, which is seen in online sportsbook average spreads of +1.5.
It seems oddsmakers anticipate a fight, and the two franchises always bring out their best when they meet, so it should be an entertaining contest no matter how it breaks.
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