Celtics Set to Face Thunder with Key Players Missing

BOSTON, Mass. – The Boston Celtics will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night for their only regular-season matchup. After falling to the Thunder back in January, the Celtics are seeking to even the season series.

Boston enters the contest aiming for its 48th win of the season, while the Thunder chase their 54th victory. The Celtics are favored by 2.5 points, boasting a 23-11 record at home.

Despite their strong position, the Celtics must contend with their league rankings, averaging 116.9 points per game and shooting 46.2 percent from the field. The Thunder are formidable as well, sporting a 24-7 road record. In their last 10 games, the Celtics are 8-2, averaging 115.2 points, 44.2 rebounds, 25.9 assists, 7.4 steals, and 5.0 blocks per game.

Notably, the Thunder may be without their key players, as guard Alex Caruso is questionable due to an illness. Caruso, in his first season with Oklahoma City following a trade from the Chicago Bulls, has significantly contributed to the team’s top defensive net rating.

“It’s a tough loss for us if he can’t go,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault regarding Caruso. “We’ll need others to step up.”

In addition to Caruso, the Thunder will also be missing starting guard Jalen Williams, who is out with a hip injury. Daigneault confirmed Williams is back in Oklahoma City with no timetable for his return.

“Losing Jalen is a hit for us; he’s been a big part of our success,” Daigneault added.

Meanwhile, Boston is hoping for the return of their stars. Jayson Tatum is questionable after struggling with knee tendinopathy, while Jaylen Brown is listed as probable with a knee injury. Kristaps Porzingis, who has been sidelined by an illness, is also listed as questionable.

“I’ve been dealing with some viral illness that we haven’t been able to fully identify yet,” Porzingis posted on social media. “But I am recovering and getting better.”

The Thunder defeated the Celtics 105-92 earlier this season, a game in which Boston managed just 27 points in the second half. Head coach Joe Mazzulla expressed the need for improvement ahead of the game: “We have to play better than we did last time against them. Their defense is tough.”

The Celtics will tip off against the Thunder at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in a nationally televised showdown on ESPN, as both teams seek to bolster their playoff positions.