The Celtics will be reunited with some old friends on Thursday, with Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis now members of the Warriors.
Porzingis is questionable to play as he nears a return from lingering Achilles tendinitis. Warriors star Stephen Curry, out since Jan. 30 with a knee issue, won’t play.
Golden State wasn’t quite as hot heading into the All-Star break, going 4-7 in its last 11 games.
The Celtics have a clean injury report coming out of the All-Star break, outside of Jayson Tatum, who continues to rehab the Achilles injury he suffered last May.
Get Starting Point
Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. in San Francisco, and on Amazon Prime and NBC Sports Boston. Here’s a preview:
When: Thursday, 10 p.m.
Where: Chase Center, San Francisco
TV, radio: Amazon Prime, NBCSB, WBZ-FM 98.5
Line: Boston -5.5. O/U: 211.5.
CELTICS
Season record: 35-19. vs. spread: 30-24. Over/under: 20-34
Last 10 games: 7-3. vs. spread: 5-5. Over/under: 1-9
WARRIORS
Season record: 29-26. vs. spread: 25-30. Over/under: 32-23
Last 10 games: 4-6. vs. spread: 3-7. Over/under: 5-5
TEAM STATISTICS
Points per game: Boston 115.3, Golden State 115.5
Points allowed per game: Boston 108.4, Golden State 113.7
Field goal percentage: Boston .467, Golden State .461
Opponent field goal percentage: Boston .444, Golden State .472
3-point percentage: Boston .363, Golden State .362
Opponent 3-point percentage: Boston .360, Golden State .352
Stat of the day: The Warriors lead the NBA in made 3-pointers (897), while Boston is third (831).
Notes: Porzingis hopes to make his debut with the Warriors when they host Boston. He said at the time of his deadline trade from the Hawks that Thursday’s game was his target date for returning to the court. “I look forward to really having a surprisingly good post All-Star break,” he said … Porzingis has played just 17 games this season, averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocked shots … Regarding Curry and his continued absence, coach Steve Kerr said Wednesday, “[Curry] just wasn’t where he needed to be. It’s unfortunate. We’ll have an update [Thursday] after he goes through his time with the training staff.” … The Warriors, who lost four of their last six games before the All-Star break, occupy eighth place in the Western Conference standings. The Celtics enter the game as the No. 2 team in the Eastern Conference, 5½ games behind the Pistons.
Amin Touri can be reached at [email protected].
