The Boston Celtics have been playing significantly well with Kristaps Porzingis in the lineup. Lately, they have experienced a few losses but this hasn’t affected their position in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics are the only Eastern Conference team in the top five of the power rankings. They currently are atop the East with a 31-9 record. The Celtics are going to face a team that they have an all-time losing record against.
oh we gettin fancy wit it now pic.twitter.com/YTs2puu6x2
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 14, 2024
The San Antonio Spurs are going to be hosted by the Celtics at the TD Garden tonight. SAS happens to have a 58-44 record against the Celtics, both teams have experienced major changes over the years. The Spurs are the worst team in the Western Conference as they hold a record of 7 wins and 32 losses. While the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum has had a couple of elite performances against this team, but Victor Wembanyama could alter the narrative.
Kristaps Porzingis is listed as questionable for the Celtics vs. Spurs game
Kristaps Porzingis has been averaging 19.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game on 52.5% shooting from the field. However, the Latvian star will most likely miss tonight’s game due to knee inflammation. The Celtics have also listed Derrick White as questionable due to an ankle sprain. Jrue Holiday (elbow) has also been listed as questionable.
The Spurs have most of their players healthy, however, Zach Collins hasn’t been removed from the injury report yet. He is currently recovering from an ankle injury he sustained recently. Sidy Cissoko (ankle) has also been ruled out of the game. Charles Bassey continues to recover from his ACL injury and he will return next season.
(1/3) pic.twitter.com/5zdPaFAVhK
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 13, 2024
Boston Celtics Injury Report:
- Derrick White (Questionable)
- Kristaps Porzingis (Questionable)
- Jrue Holiday (Questionable)
Boston Celtics Injury Report:
- Payton Pritchard
- Jaylen Brown
- Sam Hauser
- Jayson Tatum
- Al Horford
San Antonio Spurs Injury Report:
- Sidy Cissoko (Out)
- Zach Collins (Out)
- Charles Bassey (Out)
San Antonio Spurs Expected Lineup:
- Tre Jones
- Devin Vassell
- Julian Champagnie
- Jeremy Sochan
- Victor Wembanyama
Will the Celtics defeat the Spurs without Kristaps Porzingis?
At this point of the season, it is very easy to determine who will emerge victorious in this matchup. The Celtics are the favorites to win this game since they are the best team out there. They rank top five in points per game, point differential, rebounds, and blocks as well. Additionally, Tatum will not lose much without Kristaps Porzingis in the lineup. Brown is more than capable of filling in that gap while Horford can assume defensive duties.
The Boston Celtics are now 19-0 at home this season. 🔥
This team is ELITE. pic.twitter.com/ZF30rjXkTJ
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 14, 2024
The Spurs have only one advantage over the Celtics, and that is Victor Wembanyama. The rookie has been the number-one contender for the ROTY title this season while averaging 19.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3 assists along with 1.1 steals and 3.2 blocks per game. He may be able to stop the Celtics from within the paint but the latter have great shooters as well.