After a stinging 132-126 overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, the Boston Celtics bounced back in dominating fashion, blowing out the Sacramento Kings 144-119 on Wednesday.
Now Boston, 21-6, matching the Minnesota Timberwolves for the NBA’s best record, prepares for a Saturday showdown against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The hosts of that tilt are suddenly surging, winning nine-straight games before Kawhi Leonard sat out Thursday’s 134-115 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a bruised right hip.
It’s the first contest the two-time MVP has missed this season. The five-time All-NBA selection is averaging 24.4, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, leading the Clippers to a 17-11 record. Los Angeles is fifth in the Western Conference.
The visitors are hoping to have Jayson Tatum back for Saturday’s matchup. The four-time All-Star is questionable to play after rolling his left ankle when he stepped on Brandin Podziemski’s foot in the first quarter of Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors.
Tatum heads to the locker room limping early vs. Golden State pic.twitter.com/K3S6x8cHok
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 20, 2023
Tatum missed Wednesday’s win against the Kings.
Kristaps Porzingis hits the tough and-one, but seems to roll his ankle on the landing…
He's still on the floor playing 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Krzz5gRmfy
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 21, 2023
Kristaps Porzingis, who produced 24 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks in the victory in California’s state capital, will not suit up on Saturday. The seven-foot-three center sprained his left ankle in the third quarter in Sacramento.
Boston lists Sam Hauser, who started in Tatum’s absence vs. the Kings, registering ten points and five rebounds in 34 minutes, as questionable due to a left heel contusion on its latest injury report.
Luke Kornet will miss his sixth straight game due to a left adductor strain.
Saturday afternoon’s Celtics-Clippers contest will tip off at 3:30 EST. Inside The Celtics will have content related to the game before, during, and afterward.
