#celtics

#celtics

The Celtics have won 39 out of the 53 games, or 73.6%, in which they've been favored. They average 114.0 points per game, slightly lower than their recent performance of 110.6 points in the last 10 games.

It's always a special atmosphere when these two teams meet, but tonight's game at Chase Center feels particularly heavy for both sides. The Celtics are coming into the second half of the season looking like a legitimate juggernaut, holding onto the second seed in the East despite the massive hole left by Jayson Tatum's absence. Jaylen Brown has stepped into that primary role and has been one of the season's best storylines. He's playing with a level of aggression and efficiency that has completely shifted the ceiling for this Boston squad.

The advantages: the speed we can play with on the offensive end, the dribble-drive, the pace that we can create. Defensively we can pressure a little bit more.

A game recap of Wednesday's 131-95 victory, published on Celtics.com and NBA.com, praised Boston's leading scorers Payton Pritchard and Derrick White, in that order.

By moving Georges Niang's $8.2 million contract off their books, the Celtics reduced their tax penalties dramatically from $73.1 million to $30.4 million.

"I'm very motivated. The last two years for me was, in my eyes, a disappointment. Just injuries kind of stopped me and held me back."

Wyc is obviously still the governor and has been obviously very, very active, said Brad Stevens regarding Grousbeck's involvement with the Celtics this offseason.

"I don't want to speak in absolute terms until an ultimate decision is made. But another guy that if he were to go and play somewhere else - I think [he's] an all-time Celtic and winner and did everything he could for this organization."