Deadspin | Celtics hit road, expect tough battle vs. Timberwolves

[ad_1] Dec 31, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jrue Vacation (4) questions a name with referee Evan Scott throughout the second half in opposition to the Toronto Raptors at TD Backyard. Necessary Credit score: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Photographs The Boston Celtics would possibly want to supply further ice packs for his or her upcoming highway journey, and guard Jrue Vacation is completely OK with that.

"Groups are difficult us," Vacation stated. "I feel the sport is changing into extra bodily, which is nice. I feel that is a profit for us the place we are able to do the identical."

Boston will open its four-game journey with a matchup in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday evening in Minneapolis.

The Celtics are coming off a 54-point rout over the Toronto Raptors on New Yr's Eve. The victory capped an unbelievable 2024 calendar yr for the defending NBA champion, which as soon as once more has title aspirations because it turns its focus to 2025.

A late addition to the harm report might make the Celtics' job more difficult on Thursday.

Celtics ahead Jaylen Brown is listed as questionable to play due to a proper shoulder pressure. Brown is averaging 24.4 factors, 6.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 28 begins this season.

Celtics ahead Kristaps Porzingis is also listed as questionable due to a sprained left ankle. Porzingis, who has missed three straight video games because of the harm, is averaging 18.3 factors and 6.4 rebounds in 11 begins.

Minnesota additionally has a few injured gamers, however none that sometimes occupy the beginning lineup. Rookie guard Rob Dillingham is listed as out for Thursday's recreation due to a proper ankle sprain, and reserve massive man Luka Garza additionally has been dominated out due to a sprain to his left ankle, which has sidelined him for the final six video games.

Anthony Edwards leads the Timberwolves with 24.8 factors per recreation on 44.3 % capturing. Julius Randle is second with 19.9 factors to go together with 6.9 rebounds per recreation.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch is most involved with one other statistic: turnovers. He stated his crew was too sloppy with the ball (23 turnovers) in its newest recreation, a 113-105 loss to the host Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder on Tuesday.

"If we do not flip the ball over, we are able to management this recreation," Finch stated. "Little doubt about it."

One participant who has returned to the lineup for Boston is Vacation, who got here again Tuesday after a three-game absence due to a shoulder harm. He completed with 14 factors and made 4 of 5 makes an attempt from past the arc.

Vacation joked that the supply of his shoulder harm might need repaired his 3-point shot.

"Perhaps the hit is what helped it," Vacation stated. "Perhaps it obtained my shoulder in line."

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla lately challenged his crew to be extra energetic on protection.

Vacation stated that matches his basketball persona nicely.

"I feel it is nearly being energetic and utilizing your instincts," Vacation stated. "That is one thing that I all the time love to do -- assume the sport, particularly on the defensive finish. Have the ability to get deflections, begin the break and issues like that. It is positively enjoyable for me, being extra energetic."

That is the second and last matchup of the common season between the groups. Boston gained the primary recreation 107-105 at residence on Nov. 24.

Brown led the Celtics with 29 factors in that recreation. Jayson Tatum added 26 factors and eight rebounds, and Derrick White chipped in 19 factors and 9 rebounds.

Edwards completed with 28 factors, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in opposition to Boston. Randle added 23 factors, and Rudy Gobert posted 10 factors and 20 rebounds.