Gameday Preview: Celtics vs. the Reigning Champions
Jim Michaud | MediaNews Group/Boston Herald
Following a tough loss against San Antonio, Boston (10-7) will square off against their historic rival the Los Angeles Lakers (14-6) in a national TV game in Boston, 8:30 PM EST. The Celtics will be all systems go outside of Payton Pritchard (MCL Sprain) and Romeo Langford (Wrist Surgery Rehab). This is the first matchup we’ve seen between the two teams since last February’s 114-112 Laker’s victory.
For Boston, the biggest difference will be having all three of Brown, Walker, and Tatum together to take on the reigning champs, who are currently on a two-game losing streak coming into TD Garden. LA has fared well on the road, however, with a 10-2 record. While Boston has dealt with some game rescheduling due to COVID, the two squads aren’t radically different in terms of team statistics.
LA is led in scoring by LeBron James (25.5 PPG) while Boston is led by Jaylen Brown (27.1 PPG) in what should be a marquee matchup for Saturday night. For Boston, this is arguably the biggest early test for the team since kicking off the season against the Milwaukee Bucks. Of all teams, the Lakers are an almost certain lock for the Western Conference Finals (if not the Finals), and as the defending champs, they are extremely high on the rest of the league’s hit list. Being the top dog puts a target on your back, and Boston can’t afford to miss their shot.
Join us before the game later for the Banner Town Build Up @GuyBostonSports on Twitter as we talk pregame chatter and matchups for tonight! #BeatLA
