Live Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics, 7:30 PM EST

And we’re back. That was a lovely little All-Star break, but it’s nice to have basketball back.

Brooklyn will kick off the second half of the season at home against the Boston Celtics - yes, once again, the Nets will be without Kevin Durant.

They also won’t have Blake Griffin in the lineup. Still getting used to typing that.

Boston has been on a nice little run, winning four straight heading into the break. They’re also healthy, which has been a major issue for them this season.

Did I mention that the Nets will be on national TV again?

WHO: Brooklyn Nets (24-13) vs. Boston Celtics (19-17)

WHEN: 7:30 PM EST

WHERE: TNT (national), YES (local), WFAN (radio)

Game Preview.

We’re back, and back in style. The team dropped their Earned Edition jerseys yesterday and will be debuting them tonight on the national stage. They better keep the Basquiat joints tho.

The natural question arising from Griffin’s signing is what happens with Nicolas Claxton? The young gun has won the hearts of Nets fans with his excellent play and he’s been growing as a rim runner and finisher at the basket. The hope is he doesn’t lose the playing time he’s earned and that the team is able to keep ensuring he gets time to grow his game.

Tristan Thompson was one of Boston’s big offseason acquisitions, and he’s been OK all things considered. He and DeAndre Jordan will tussle on the boards, and interior defense will be key as well. The Nets are fourth best in finishing shots inside of five feet as they’ve 65.2 percent of those shots on the year. Alternatively, the Nets and C’s allow teams to shoot 62.5 percent on shots six feet and in, and as we all know the Nets interior defense has been a sore spot for them this season.

For more on the Celtics, check out Celtics Blog.