How will Boston handle the first game of their west coast trip?
The Celtics are back in action in Portland taking on the Trail Blazers (12-19) after their 140-122 win over the Pacers. It will be interesting
to see how Joe Mazzulla manages the rotation throughout the trip.
Portland is coming off a loss at home to the Clippers. If the Celtics can get off to a fast start, they may take the sting out of a home crowd looking for a response from its team. Rotation management will be important throughout this road trip, and a comfortable win in Portland would be another positive step. Only Jaylen Brown (32 minutes), Derrick White (33) and Payton Pritchard (38) logged more than 30 minutes against Indiana on Friday, so the team should be relatively fresh despite the travel miles.
Can Jaylen Brown extend his 30-point streak?
There have not been many players better than Brown this season, and there may not have been a better player than Brown this month.
Brown extended his 30-point scoring streak to eight games Friday night, scoring 30 again in the win over Indiana. The streak began Dec. 2 against the Knicks when he scored 42 points. Since then, he has recorded five 30-point games, one 31-point outing and one 34-point performance.
Brown has averaged 18.3 points in 15 career games against Portland. His career high against the Trail Blazers is 30 points, which he set in 2020.
Brown is close to a lock for Player of the Month honors with another milestone remains within reach. If he can score 30 again against Portland and then Tuesday against Utah, he would finish December with at least 30 points in every game.
Will Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla take one more look at Robert Williams III?
Reports surfaced this week that the Trail Blazers may be willing to move center Robert Williams III, who is on an expiring $13.3 million contract. The former Celtic has missed significant time with injuries throughout his career and has played just 46 games since being traded as part of the original Jrue Holiday deal in October 2023.
This season, Williams has appeared in 20 games, making one start. In 15.9 minutes per game, he is averaging 6.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.
Boston could be active near the trade deadline as it looks to shed salary and/or add frontcourt depth. With Neemias Queta playing well and Luka Garza in and out of the lineup, it would not be surprising if that position is one the Celtics look to address.
For Celtics fans, Williams remains a feel-good story. Boston selected him with the 27th overall pick in the 2018 draft, and he developed into a key defensive presence, earning NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in the 2021-22 season.
Tonight could serve as a reminder to the Celtics’ decision-makers of what Williams can still provide.
