The Boston Celtics have three games left in their dominant regular season. Each one is on their home parquet at the comforts of TD Garden. That starts Thursday night against the New York Knicks.
While the C’s are 62-17 and have secured the NBA’s best record and home-court advantage for the duration of their playoff run, tomorrow’s visitors are jockeying for postseason positioning.
The Knicks are 47-32 and third in the Eastern Conference standings. They’re one game behind the second-seeded Milwaukee Bucks but only 1.5 ahead of the team in sixth, the Indiana Pacers.
As they aim for a needed win and to avoid losing their regular season series with Boston 5-0, the hosts’ injury report may help New York’s cause.
Jayson Tatum is questionable due to a right knee contusion. Jaylen Brown shares that status because of a left-hand sprain. So does Jrue Holiday as a result of left patella tendinopathy.
Starting center Kristaps Porzingis, inactive for the Celtics’ 104-91 loss in Milwaukee on Tuesday due to right hamstring injury management, is also questionable for Thursday’s clash.
Al Horford, sidelined for Tuesday’s tilt vs. the Bucks because of a left big toe sprain, is uncertain for Thursday’s matchup. So is Xavier Tillman Sr., who’s nursing right knee tendon irritation.
Further Reading
After Signing Queta, Celtics Should Fill 2-Way Void with Maine Teammate
Neemias Queta Inks New Deal with Celtics
Seldom-Used Celtics Reserve Showcasing Playoff Value
Jaylen Brown Shares What Latest Milestone Means to Him
Jaylen Brown Shares What’s Fueling Career Year: ‘Nothing in This World Gonna Break My Spirit’
Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented
Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics’ Title Pursuit: ‘It’s a Process’
Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans
Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: ‘It Builds, Like, an Armor’
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: ‘Earn Everybody’s Trust’
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics’ Offense: ‘Balance of Pace and Execution’