The Boston Celtics didn't roll out their true starting lineup to start preseason play on Thursday night. However, they still captured a 124-113 win, as they dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers on the offensive glass at Rocket Arena in downtown Cleveland.
Before the preseason clash, the Celtics announced that Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Paul George, Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta, Sam Hauser, Ron Harper Jr., and Payton Pritchard would all sit. Somewhere in that group of names likely lies the Celtics' true starting five. Despite these significant absences, the undermanned C's held their own against the Cavs' actual starters in the first quarter. Celtics center Luka Garza finished the victory with a game-high 22 points in 27 minutes and guard Devin
Carter — who's fighting for the final two-way contract with the Green Team — added 17 points and 5 rebounds off the bench.
As for the Cavs, their first five all logged 17 minutes apiece. Seven-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell scored 11 points in that span while small forward Tristan Enaruna (and former Maine Celtic) led Cleveland's bench in scoring with 13 points in 17 minutes.
Although preseason wins aren't what any NBA team plays for, the Celtics are 12-3 in preseason play since the 2023-24 campaign. Their next game takes place on Saturday night at TD Garden against the rival Philadelphia 76ers. It could mark former Celtics star Jaylen Brown's first time facing his old team in Boston, but who will actually suit up this weekend — on either side — remains to be seen.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Shorthanded Celtics start preseason play with 124-113 win over Cavaliers
