WHO: Brooklyn Nets (21-23) vs. Boston Celtics (25-17)
WHAT: Both Kyrie Irving and Marcus Smart are OUT. Can the Nets steal one here in Boston?
WHERE: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. EST
HOW: YES, NBCSB; NBA League Pass
THE STORY: Game Preview
The Celtics have the second best +/- in the league at 6.4 and are Top 10 in Assists, Turnovers, Three Point Percentage, Three Pointers Made, Offensive Rating, Defensive Rating, Net Rating, and Steals. Why can’t they get it together? Who’s to say, but it can’t help to have so many individuals with “narratives” surrounding them and needing both the ball and some ego boosting.
There’s plenty of talk about Kevin Durant and his impending free agency, but Kyrie is also going to hit the market this summer and everyone in that locker room knows it. Gordon Hayward is still working his way back to full health, Jayson Tatum doesn’t look as explosive or exciting as he did in his rookie campaign, Jaylen Brown is still overshadowed by Tatum, Terry Rozier isn’t getting the minutes he probably thinks he deserves, Marcus Smart is Marcus Smart. There’s a lot going on with this team, is what I’m saying. It isn’t always about the numbers.
As a comparison, the Nets don’t have half as many “narratives” and are less talented but they’re playing better than anyone expected them to this season, especially since the losing streak. It helps when basketball is the main, and really only, focus.
For more on the Celtics, check out: Celtics Blog