Luka Garza has given the Celtics (47-23) more offense since Vucevic was injured on March 6. Garza averages 7.6 points for the season, but has scored at least 15 points in three of his last four games, including a season-high 22 in Friday’s 117-112 victory over the Grizzlies.
Garza also had seven rebounds, five of which came at the offensive end.
“He was great on both ends of the floor,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “He does a great job screening. They (the Grizzlies) play a hectic style. They put a ton of pressure on you from a physicality standpoint and you have to be able to read and make plays and play through physicality. No one’s better at that than Luka.”
Get Starting Point
Vucevic, who had surgery on his ring finger March 7, isn’t expected back until the first half of April, so Garza likely will maintain his more significant role until then.
“Guys have always stepped up,” Garza said. “In my position, just try to make the little plays and help us win. So it’s definitely fun when you’re the guy doing that.
“I love being a part of this team. We play hard every single night no matter what, and I think when you do that, you put yourself in a good position.”
The game will tip at 8 p.m. Here’s the preview:
When: Sunday, 8 p.m.
Where: TD Garden, Boston
TV, radio: NBC, Peacock, WBZ-FM 98.5
Line: Boston -10. O/U: 221.0.
TIMBERWOLVES
Season record: 43-28. vs. spread: 30-41. Over/under: 33-38
Last 10 games: 5-5. vs. spread: 4-6. Over/under: 3-7
CELTICS
Season record: 47-23. vs. spread: 40-30. Over/under: 25-45
Last 10 games: 7-3. vs. spread: 5-5. Over/under: 3-7
TEAM STATISTICS
Points per game: Minnesota 118.6, Boston 114.4
Points allowed per game: Minnesota 114.8, Boston 107.0
Field goal percentage: Minnesota .485, Boston .464
Opponent field goal percentage: Minnesota .461, Boston .441
3-point percentage: Minnesota .372, Boston .361
Opponent 3-point percentage: Minnesota .358, Boston .357
Stat of the day: Jaylen Brown averages 28.5 points per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA.
Notes: Brown tossed in 30 points during Friday’s game, which extended Boston’s winning streak to four. … The Timberwolves (43-28) were again without Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid for Friday night’s 108-104 loss to Portland. Edwards, who’s dealing with inflammation in his right knee, ranks third in the NBA with his 29.5 points per game. The Timberwolves are 2-1 in the three games Edwards has missed with the injury. Reid has missed the last two games with a right ankle sprain. … Minnesota allowed 68 points in the first two quarters of Friday’s loss, but limited Portland to 40 in the final two quarters.
Cam Kerry can be reached at [email protected].
