The 42-19 Boston Celtics host the 39-22 Uah Jazz at TD Garden as they try to snap Utah’s three-game winning streak and re-establish one of their own.
After recovering from an embarrassing collapse against the Brooklyn Nets earlier in the week with a hard-fought win over a feisty Cleveland Cavaliers on Mar. 4, the Celtics will face a dangerous Western Conference team wanting revenge for the win Boston laid on them in Salt Lake City.
They haven’t lost a game since the two teams last played, and both franchises have won six of their last four contests.
Boston is going to be without shooting guard Jaylen Brown (hamstring) and forward Gordon Hayward (knee) as both recuperate from injuries sustained in the Brooklyn loss, but will get back All-Star point guard Kemba Walker.
Boston's Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward OUT vs. Utah Jazz Friday https://t.co/kGCoPC6Nbb
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) March 5, 2020
Utah will effectively be at full health with only reserve guard Nigel Williams-Goss (quad) likely out for the contest.
The health advantage clearly in the Jazz’ court, the game should be a close one. Boston should get a boost from the home crowd, and still probably has the talent advantage with both All-Star forward Jayson Tatum and Walker available.
The Celtics should come away with the win so long as they play together early and often, and get even a sliver of the production the bench provided against the Cavs earlier in the week.
Most online sportsbooks tend to agree, with an average spread of -2.5 for Boston.
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