The Boston Celtics will compete at Chase Center on Thursday without Jayson Tatum, who is still sidelined with a right Achilles injury.
His absence leaves Boston heavily dependent on Jaylen Brown, who is averaging 29.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game this season. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard are expected to carry more offensive responsibility, each contributing 17.2 points per game.
Golden State faces big challenges with Stephen Curry out due to right patellofemoral pain syndrome. Seth Curry is also sidelined due to left sciatic nerve irritation, while Jimmy Butler III is recovering from right ACL surgery. Kristaps Porzingis is listed as questionable due to a left Achilles injury, leaving the Warriors’ rotation uncertain.
For the Warriors, Stephen Curry’s absence shifts the scoring responsibility to Brandin Podziemski, who is averaging 12.0 points per game, and Draymond Green, who contributed 8.6 points and 5.7 rebounds. Moses Moody adds 11.5 points per game, and Al Horford provides a veteran presence with 7.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.
The Celtics have shown resilience in Tatum’s absence, winning three of their last four games and recently beating the Chicago Bulls 124-105 at home. Golden State is 1-1 in its past two games, including a narrow 114-113 win over the Memphis Grizzlies and a 113-126 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
Thursday’s game marks the first meeting of the season between Boston and Golden State. The Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference at 35-19, while the Warriors are eighth in the West at 29-26.
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