New Jersey Nets vs. Boston Celtics: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread and More
The New Jersey Nets are traveling to Boston to take on the Celtics in a game that looks to be very one-sided.
New Jersey will be without its three best players, while Boston is healing up and getting some guys back on the floor who they were missing during the Celtics' early-season stumble.
Keep reading to find out who won’t be playing, and how it affects this divisional matchup tonight.
Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA
When: Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 7:30 p.m. EDT
Watch: CSNN, NBA League Pass (Live Stream)
Listen: Sports Radio 660 AM WFAN—New Jersey; WEEI 850 AM—Boston
Betting Line: Celtics (-13)
Key Injuries
Brook Lopez—OUT (Foot)
Kris Humphries—OUT (Shoulder)
Deron Williams—OUT (Oblique)
Paul Pierce—PRB (Heel)
Jermaine O’Neal—PRB (Hamstring)
Mickael Pietrus—OUT (Knee)
What's At Stake?
The Celtics are trying to continue winning and go for their fourth straight after dropping three games to open the season.
New Jersey could certainly help them achieve this goal, especially without Deron Williams, Kris Humphries and Brook Lopez, the Nets' three best players.
Boston is hoping they continue to click on the offensive end, and continue sharing the ball as they did against the Wizards in their 100-92 win, racking up 28 assists.
The Nets would be happy to walk out with a huge upset win against an Atlantic division foe, but most likely would be satisfied seeing their young and unproven players do well.
What They're Saying
Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News reported on what Deron Williams had to say about his injury, which came up as negative during X-rays.
"It’s not my ribs; it’s the muscle—obliques. It’s pretty sore. Coach and (the trainer) thought it was best for me to sit out. If I got hit on it again, it wouldn’t be good. We’ll see how it goes. I woke up this morning and it was a little more sore than yesterday. I thought it would be better today.
"
Speaking of injuries, Jessica Camerato of CSNNE.com found that Paul Pierce is not fully healed, despite starting to play. Following the Celtics' 100-92 victory, Pierce said:
"[I’m] probably at like 80 percent as far as the foot is concerned. I still have to get my treatment. There’s still some bruising in the foot. I have to wear a lot of padding in my shoes. It’s coming along, but I’m feeling more confident, I think. I’m not even thinking about it, and that’s the good part.
"
Nets Player to Watch: MarShon Brooks
The young rookie is going to be getting his first start of the year with D-Will out, and will look to continue improving and show his skill as a scorer.
He’s been one of the only players able to get to the basket and score consistently on the roster.
Celtics Player to Watch: Paul Pierce
The Celtics’ captain needs to get healthy for the team to have any chance at another Finals run. There isn’t much time for the team to gel, and the sooner he is fully healed, the better.
Key Matchup: Backcourt
The Nets are starting Sundiata Gaines and Brooks against Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo.
The gap of experience and skill is huge there, and if the Nets' youngsters don’t play their best games, they have no chance of winning.
Prediction
Celtics 99, Nets 85
