The greatest rivalry in NBA history adds another chapter on Thursday night when the Boston Celtics visit the Los Angeles Lakers. While the Lakers are without their two stars, they’ve been able to string some wins together lately and just finished a stretch of seven straight road games with a 4-3 record.
But even though they beat a Brooklyn team with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant earlier this week, there’s a fair case to be made that the Celtics are playing better than any team the Lakers have faced over the past month. Jayson Tatum’s scoring is up as he continues to return to form after testing positive for COVID-19 and Marcus Smart’s return to health has helped ease woes on the defense.
In addition to Smart, the trade of Daniel Theis has opened up playing time for young center Robert Williams. Since trading Theis and opening playing time for Williams, the Celtics have gone 8-3.
Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:
- Date: Tuesday, April 15
- Time: 10:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT
- TV Channel: TNT, Spectrum SportsNet (LA), NBC SPORTS BOSTON (Boston)
READ: The 5-year anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s final game
Injury Report:
Los Angeles: The Lakers have not yet submitted an injury report. Anthony Davis (Achilles) and LeBron James (high ankle sprain) are out, but expected to come back in the next couple of weeks.
Boston: Evan Fournier (health and safety protocols) out.
Probable starting lineups
Los Angeles Lakers
- F Kyle Kuzma
- F Markieff Morris
- C Andre Drummond
- G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- G Dennis Schroder
Boston Celtics
- F Jaylen Brown
- F Jayson Tatum
- C Robert Williams
- G Kemba Walker
- G Marcus Smart
[lawrence-related id=39000,38993]