Tatum, red-hot Celtics visit Cavaliers in Eastern Conference clash
The Boston Celtics begin their five-game road trip Tuesday when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

The Celtics (48-12) hold the best record in the Association. They extended their win streak to 11 games Sunday when they demolished the Golden State Warriors, 140-88, in a game that saw the Celtics up by 44 points at halftime. It was a record-breaking performance as Boston became the first team in NBA history to defeat three teams by 50-plus points in one season. The Celtics lead the league in several statistical categories including point differential (plus-11.1), offensive rating (121.7) and rebounds per game (47.1). It truly feels like a championship-or-bust season for MVP candidate Jayson Tatum, All-NBA forward Jaylen Brown, head coach Joe Mazulla and GM of the Year candidate Brad Stevens.

Kristaps Porzingis (quadriceps) is questionable for Tuesday’s contest.

Meanwhile the Cavaliers (39-21) have cooled off since All-Star weekend. They dropped to 3-4 since the break after losing to the New York Knicks on Sunday, as the Cavs were unable to get the win without All-Star Donovan Mitchell (knee). Cleveland has a 21-6 record since Jan. 3, which has propelled the team into contention for the second seed in the Eastern Conference with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Cavaliers have the 10th toughest remaining strength of schedule and have formidable matchups against the Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns over the next five games.

Caris LeVert (elbow) and Isaac Okoro (elbow) are questionable for Tuesday’s game. The Cavaliers will be without Mitchell for at least the next three games after the shooting guard received a PRP injection Monday to treat a bone bruise in his left knee. Max Strus has also been ruled out for Tuesday's game due to a right knee strain.

The Celtics hold a 2-0 season series lead against the Cavaliers, with Tuesday’s contest being the third and last matchup between the two teams.
Posted on: 3/4/2024 11:30 AM