BOSTON — The Celtics (29-17) and Atlanta Hawks (23-25) are set to face off for the second time this month on Wednesday — and both teams could be without several rotation players.
For the Celtics, Neemias Queta is doubtful to play with illness, while Luka Garza is questionable. Jayson Tatum, of course, remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a right Achilles repair.
The Celtics were without Garza and Chris Boucher on Monday night in a 102-94 win over the the Trail Blazers. Both big men were dealing
with illness and were not with the team. Queta (illness) and Josh Minott (ankle sprain) were questionable until game-time, but both were made available. Queta suited up for 22 minutes, while Minott did not get any action.
For the Hawks, Kristaps Porzingis (left Achilles tendonitis), Zaccharie Risacher (left knee bone contusion), and N’Faly Dante (right knee torn ACL) are out.
Porzingis has only appeared in 17 games for the Hawks this season, and he hasn’t laced up since January 7th. As such, he has yet to face off against his former squad.
The Celtics and Hawks face off for the second time this month
Last time the two teams faced off, Jaylen Brown exploded for 41 points and the Celtics came away with a 132-106 win in Atlanta. Sam Hauser also flirted with the franchise three-point record, hitting 10 threes for the Celtics, though he fell just short.
After this match-up, the Celtics and Hawks will face off two more times, both in March (the 27th and 30th).
The Celtics have the second-best offensive rating in the NBA (+120.8), the third-best net rating (+7.2), and the 11th-best defensive rating (113.6). They’ve won 6 of their last 10 games, and currently have the second-best record in the East.
The Hawks have the 19th-best net rating (-0.9), 21st-best offensive rating (113.5), and 16th-best defensive rating (114.4). They’ve also won 6 of their last 10 games, and currently have the 10th-best record in the East. The Hawks are coming off of a 16-point win over the Hawks on Sunday night.
This season, the Hawks have been led by Jalen Johnson (23 points, 10.4 rebounds, 7.9 assists) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (20.3 points, 3.5 assists). Since he was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Hawks, CJ McCollum has averaged 18 points and 3.9 assists.
Celtics-Hawks — the second game in a four-game Celtics homestand — tips off at 7:30pm at TD Garden.
